Hondo in Medina County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Old Medina County Jail
Photographed By James Hulse, December 11, 2020
1. Old Medina County Jail Marker
Designed and built in 1893 for $15,000 by the firm of Martin, Byrnes & Johnston, which was then constructing the County Courthouse. This building, designed in the crenellated, round-arch castle style with rock-faced Texas limestone, was an image of security often used for jails of that period. The limestone on the Old Jail and Courthouse is from the same quarry just north of Hondo.
For the first half-century of its existence the downstairs was occupied by the Sheriff and family and the inmates were housed on the second floor. In 1949, an addition was built, and this building was converted to offices for the Sheriff's Department and State Highway Patrol. In 1980, another addition was built, primarily to house female inmates. Both additions were demolished in 2008 in preparation for restoration of the original building, completed in 2009.
The exterior of the building has been restored to its original look, while the interior has been modernized for new office space.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.
Location. 29° 21.051′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Stephen F. Austin Memorial Oak Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Medina County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Hondo Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Hondo (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Leinweber Building (about 700 feet away); Fohn-Bless Store (approx. 0.2 miles away); Medina County War Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Saint John The Evangelist Catholic Church (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hondo.
Also see . . . Medina County. The Handbook of Texas (Submitted on December 16, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed By James Hulse, December 11, 2020
2. Old Medina County Jail and Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, December 11, 2020
3. The Old Medina County Jail is next to the Medina Courthouse
Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 250 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 16, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
