Gail in Borden County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Borden County Jail

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 26, 2026

1. Borden County Jail Marker

Inscription.
Built of hand-hewn native stone from Gail Mountain, this jail was planned for maximum security. Diebold Safe and Lock Company was awarded the $4,500 contract in 1896. Behind the two-foot-thick outside walls, the cell walls and floor are of 1/3 inch case hardened steel plates, impervious to hack saw blades. Doors fastened with huge hasps and padlocks were opened with a six-inch key. The county used the jail from 1896 to 1972. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark

Erected 1967 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 457.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.

Location. 32° 46.204′ N, 101° 26.673′ W. Marker is in Gail, Texas, in Borden County. It is at the intersection of West Wasson Avenue (U.S. 180) and N Elm Street, on the right when traveling east on West Wasson Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 141 W Wasson Ave, Gail TX 79738, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Texas.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico

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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 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Borden County Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); Borden County (within shouting distance of this marker); Gail Borden, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); 1902–1904 Land Rushes (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dorward Drug (about 300 feet away); Gail Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away); Mushaway Peak (approx. 3.2 miles away); Garza Points (approx. 13.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gail.

More about this marker. There are two Borden County jail markers. This marker is located on the door of the old jail and states it was erected in 1967 by the THC but it is not listed on the Texas Historical Commission's marker database, unlike the similarly worded jail marker that is located at the edge of the courthouse lawn in front of the

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 26, 2026

2. Borden County Jail & Marker

jail. This one has either been repainted or has not been in the elements since 1967. It has been on the door of the jail at least since 2018.

Borden County Jail Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 26, 2026

3. Borden County Jail Markers

There are two jail markers--what I would say is the "original" out by the road and a newer one that is located on the door. They have similar but not identical text.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 17 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 3, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.