Buffalo Gap in Taylor County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Ernie Wilson Museum

Photographed By Duane Hall, June 10, 2014

1. The Ernie Wilson Museum Marker

Inscription.

Located in Taylor County's historic first courthouse and jail. Although Taylor County was organized in July 1878, the building was not completed until May 20, 1880 because of Indian scares and lack of funds. Scene of frequent jail breaks, lynchings.

Note cannon balls (marked by arrows) keying limestone blocks.

Erected 1964 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 1497.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical date for this entry is May 20, 1945.

Location. 32° 17.16′ N, 99° 49.655′ W. Marker is in Buffalo Gap, Texas, in Taylor County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of N. William Street and Elm Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located in Buffalo Gap Historic Village. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 133 N William St, Buffalo Gap TX 79508, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Taylor County (a few steps from this marker); Vicinity of Indian Fight (approx. 0.4 miles away); Town of Buffalo Gap (approx. 0.4 miles away); Buffalo Gap College (approx. 0.4 miles away); Buffalo Gap Cemetery (approx. 2 miles away); a different marker also named

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Taylor County (approx. 4.1 miles away); The Civilian Conservation Corps at Abilene State Park (approx. 4½ miles away); Cedar Gap Community (approx. 4½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buffalo Gap.

Photographed By Duane Hall, June 10, 2014

2. The Ernie Wilson Museum Marker

Taylor County's First Courthouse and Jail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, June 10, 2014

3. Taylor County's First Courthouse and Jail

View to east from William Street

Photographed By Duane Hall, June 10, 2014

4. Taylor County's First Courthouse and Jail

View of south and west elevations of building

Taylor County's First Courthouse and Jail (Rear) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, June 10, 2014

5. Taylor County's First Courthouse and Jail (Rear)

Photographed By Duane Hall, June 10, 2014

6. Rear Wall

Note cannon balls (marked by arrows)
keying limestone blocks
(Enlarge image to see arrows)

Entrance to Taylor County's First Courthouse and Jail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, June 10, 2014

7. Entrance to Taylor County's First Courthouse and Jail

Markers next to entrance note the building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places

Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 660 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 24, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 4. submitted on June 23, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 24, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.