San Elizario in El Paso County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Old County Jail
Photographed By William F Haenn, May 30, 2015
1. Old County Jail Marker
This structure was built about 1850 of adobe bricks (sundried mud and reeds) and cottonwood logs around steel cell blocks. It served as official county jail 1850-66 and 1868-73, when San Elizario was the first and then third El Paso County seat. It housed both jail (“carcel” in Spanish) and courtroom (“juzgado”). According to legend, William Bonney, famed outlaw Billy the Kid, freed the only man ever to escape from this jail, his cohort Melquiades Segura.Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1970
Erected 1970 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3715.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Law Enforcement • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the San Antonio-El Paso Road series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 31° 35.152′ N, 106° 16.462′ W. Marker is in San Elizario, Texas, in El Paso County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Alarcon Road, on the left when traveling
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Old County Jail (a few steps from this marker); Los Portales (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Salt War (about 400 feet away); San Elizario (about 400 feet away); The First Thanksgiving (about 500 feet away); The Camino Real (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Salt War (about 500 feet away); Rodriguez-Chamuscado Expedition - 1581 (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Elizario.
Photographed By William F Haenn, May 30, 2015
2. Old County Jail
Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2015, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. This page has been viewed 429 times since then and 59 times this year. Last updated on June 5, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 2, 2015, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
