Glen Rose in Somervell County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Old County Jail
The new structure housed the sheriff and/or jailer plus his family on the lower floor; prisoners were upstairs. The jailer's wife cooked meals for the prisoners. A wood stove was tended by the prisoners. The original cell cage sets in the middle of the room with a run-around for exercise and for lesser felons.
A jail break occurred in the 1960's when prisoners cut the bars at night and covered the cut with wax shoe polish. On another night later, they pried the bars back with a stick of stove wood, soaped their bodies and slipped out the window to the ground. They were apprehended, though.
In the 1970's, the State of Texas condemned this building as a jail, forcing the county to build a new one. The county refurbished this building in 1991 for office space. The upstairs remains unchanged.
Erected by Somervell County Historical Commission Glen Rose-Somervell County Chamber
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.
Location. 32° 14.067′ N, 97° 45.382′ W. Marker is in Glen Rose, Texas, in Somervell County. It is at the intersection of Cedar Street and Vernon Street, on the right when traveling west on Cedar Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 106 Vernon St, Glen Rose TX 76043, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region. 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: Ice House (within shouting distance of this marker); Dinosaur Tracks (about 300 feet away, measured
Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 661 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 28, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
