Palo Pinto in Palo Pinto County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Old County Jail
Photographed By James Hulse, September 8, 2021
1. Old County Jail Marker
Inscription.
Old County Jail. . Built to replace a log jail, this native sandstone structure was erected by contractors Martin, Byrne and Johnston of Comanche. J.C. McQuerry was sheriff when it was finished (1880). The first floor was used for county offices until a new courthouse was finished. It then housed the jailer's family, while the top floor held killers, cattle rustlers, rowdy cowboys and other prisoners. A steel trap door was installed for hangings in 1907 but never used. Vacated in 1941, the building was acquired by the Palo Pinto County Historical Association in 1968 and restored as its headquarters and museum.
Built to replace a log jail, this native sandstone structure was erected by contractors Martin, Byrne & Johnston of Comanche. J.C. McQuerry was sheriff when it was finished (1880). The first floor was used for county offices until a new courthouse was finished. It then housed the jailer's family, while the top floor held killers, cattle rustlers, rowdy cowboys and other prisoners. A steel trap door was installed for hangings in 1907 but never used. Vacated in 1941, the building was acquired by the Palo Pinto County Historical Association in 1968 and restored as its headquarters and museum.
Erected 1976 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3716.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.
Location. 32° 45.962′ N, 98° 17.917′ W. Marker is in Palo Pinto, Texas, in Palo Pinto County. Marker is at the intersection of South 5th Avenue and Elm Street, on the left when traveling south on South 5th Avenue. The marker is located in front of the Old Jail House on the Museum property. While the marker is visible to see from the road, you need to access the Museum and property when it is open. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 231 South 5th Avenue, Palo Pinto TX 76484, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are
Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 131 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on September 16, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 3, 4. submitted on April 27, 2023, by Wesley Harris of Ruston, Louisiana. 5. submitted on September 16, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
