Belton in Bell County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Early Bell County Jail

Photographed by Larry D. Moore, March 18, 2022

1. Early Bell County Jail Marker

Inscription. In 1854, four years after the county was organized, a 2-story structure of logs was built on this site, to serve as the first Bell County jail. That log jail was replaced in 1873 by this building of native limestone.

In 1874, vigilantes from all parts of Texas raided this jail and executed nine men charged with murder, robbery, horse theft and other crimes. This citizens' attack was regarded as a major factor in ending lawlessness in Bell County during the 1870's.

Building was rented to city of Belton in 1884 when third county jail was completed. Sold later.

Erected 1967 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 1336.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.

Location. 31° 3.475′ N, 97° 27.872′ W. Marker is in Belton, Texas, in Bell County. It is on North Pearl Street south of West 2nd Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 210 N Pearl, Belton TX 76513, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Site of Sam Houston Speech (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Whitaker Reed (about 400 feet away); The Carnegie Library Building

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(about 400 feet away); Woman's Wednesday Club (about 400 feet away); Bell County Confederate Memorial (about 700 feet away); Bell County Courthouse (about 700 feet away); Peter Hansbrough Bell (about 800 feet away); Bell County Courthouses (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Belton.

Early Bell County Jail and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry D. Moore, March 18, 2022

2. Early Bell County Jail and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 19, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 19, 2022, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 916 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 19, 2022, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas.