South Australia was proclaimed a convict-free colony and so the surveyors made no provision for a gaol when setting out Adelaide and its sections.

Two temporary structures were built, which proved very insecure, crowded and unsatisfactory. By 1840 it was decided that a new gaol was needed; Civil Engineer and Inspector of Public Works George Strickland Kingston drew up the plans for a gaol in May 1840.

Kingston's design and concept for the gaol was not unique as it was a design similar to the American radiating plan in use at the time. This was also the design used at the English Pentonville Prison which was considered a model prison of the 19th century. Note that the second tower in the illustration and in the building lacks the dramatic crenellations of the front tower.

The gaol ceased to be used as a prison in 1988. It is now a heritage site under the custodianship of the Adelaide Gaol Preservation Society.

This building is listed on the Register of the National Estate and on the South Australian Heritage Register.

Born in Scotland, James Henderson came out to Australia for health reasons, travelling with a party of Royal Engineers under EC Frome. He was engaged in numerous surveys, particularly around Lake Alexandrina and the north-west bend of the Murray River. During this time developed a reputation as an artist. In 1841 he transferred to the Public Works Department where he remained until returning to England in 1851. He was a member of Frome's Expedition to Lake Frome, 8 July to 29 April 1843 and kept a journal (D 7504 L) and sketchbook (B 2434) of 42 drawings.