Bellville in Austin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Austin County Jail

Photographed By Brian Anderson, October 28, 2018

1. Austin County Jail Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Calling their old jail "unsafe, unfit, and inadequate," the Austin County Court contracted in 1896 with Pauly Jail Building Co. of St. Louis to erect this structure at cost of $19,970. Romanesque Revival style, with crenelated parapets, bartizans, and stone window arches harmonized with the 1886 courthouse, which later burned. The gallows, used only in 1901, have been removed; jailer's quarters have been enlarged; but original exterior is preserved.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1976

Entered in the National Register of Historic Places - 1980

Erected 1976 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 244.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Law Enforcement • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.

Location. 29° 56.965′ N, 96° 15.45′ W. Marker is in Bellville, Texas, in Austin County. Marker is at the intersection of South Bell Street and West Luhn Street, on the right when traveling south on South Bell Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 36 South Bell Street, Bellville TX 77418, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

Austin County Jail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Anderson, October 28, 2018

2. Austin County Jail

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within walking distance of this marker. The Harigel House (within shouting distance of this marker); Bellville (within shouting distance of this marker); First National Bank of Bellville (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of First Bellville Masonic Lodge Building (about 700 feet away); E.O. Finn Building (about 800 feet away); Original Site of St. Mary's Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Early History of Bellville Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bellville General Hospital (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bellville.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2018. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 188 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 29, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.