Many of the old county jails in Texas were built
at the same time as the courthouse. Some are
still in use today after 100 years. Sorted by
counties. Photos taken by Webmaster.
BASTROP
The Bastrop County Jail is located next
to the courthouse in the town of Bastrop
It was built in 1892 & serviced as a jail
until 1974.
COLLIN
The Colin County Prison is located just
off the square in McKinney. It was built
in 1880 and serviced as a jail for almost
a 100 years. It was later renovated into
a restaurant but closed being vacant today.
Notable prison guests were Frank James and
Charles "Tex" Watson.
EASTLAND
The Eastland County jail is located a block
off the square in Eastland. It was built
in 1897 and is now a museum. The jail
once housed one of the Santa Clause Bank
Robbers in 1927 from a bloody bank heist.
The prisoner killed a well-liked jailer,
which enraged the towns-folks to take
matters into their own hands, lynching
the prisoner.
MASON
The Mason County jail is located on the
downtown square in Mason. It is a good
example of a small 19th-century jail built
in 1894.
MILAM
The Milam County jail in Cameron is located
on the square in downtown. It was equipped with
a "Hanging Tower" with a trap. Closed in 1975 &
is now a museum.
MILLS
The Mills County jail in Goldthwaite was
the first structure built in the new
county. Built in 1888, it was restored
in 1911 after a fire.
SHELBY
Old Shelby County jail in Center matches
the 1885 Romanesque Rivival courthouse on
the square.