San Elizario in El Paso County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Old County Jail
First El Paso County Jail
San Elzario Historic District
On January 3, 1850, El Paso County was created by the Texas Legislature. San Elizario, the most prosporus and largest town in the area became the first County Seat. The building before you was chosen to house the first Jail. The Commissioners Court approved the purchase of two Prefabrication iron cells that were manufactures in Chicago. The cells are still in the building today.The front of the building may have formed part of the original Presidio wall. The jails was in service until the 1940s.
According to Sheriff Pat Garrett and legend, this is the only jail Billy The Kid ever broke into. Billy was said to have broken his good friend Melquiades Segura out of the Jail in December of 1876. Billy The Kid convinced Sheriff Charles Kerber that he was a Texas Ranger with a prisoner and he opened the door in the darkness. Billy overtook the Sheriff , no shots were fired and they escaped with a quick ride into Mexico. (Marker Number 6.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is January 3, 1850.
Location. 31° 35.157′ N, 106° 16.456′
cmh2315fl via Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0), December 29, 2015
2. Old County Jail Marker
Marker is by the flagpole on the right.
this page online
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); The Camino Real (about 400 feet away); The First Thanksgiving (about 400 feet away); Salt War (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Salt War (about 400 feet away); San Elizario (about 400 feet away); Rodriguez-Chamuscado Expedition - 1581 (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Elizario.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 159 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 13, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
