Gail in Borden County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Borden County Jail
Photographed by Larry D. Moore, December 3, 2018
1. Borden County Jail Marker
Built of hand-hewn native stone from Gail Mountain, this jail planned for maximum security. Is one of the oldest jails in use in West Texas. Diebold Safe and Lock Co. was awarded the $4,500 contract in 1896.
Behind two-foot thick outside walls, the cell walls and floor area of ⅓ inch case hardened steel plates, impervious to hack saw blades. Doors fastened with huge hasps and padlocks opened by six inch key.
Erected 1967 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 457.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 32° 46.221′ N, 101° 26.684′ W. Marker is in Gail, Texas, in Borden County. It is at the intersection of West Wasson Avenue (U.S. 180) and North Elm Street, on the right when traveling east on West Wasson Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 124 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 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: Gail Borden, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Borden County Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); Borden County (within shouting distance of this marker); Dorward Drug (within shouting distance of this marker); 19021904 Land Rushes (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gail Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away); Mushaway Peak (approx. 3.2 miles away); Garza Points (approx.
this page online
Photographed by Larry D. Moore, December 3, 2018
2. Borden County Jail Marker Area
Photographed by Larry D. Moore, December 3, 2018
3. Borden County Jail
Photographed by Richard Hawkins, January 12, 2026
4. Borden County Jail Marker
Photographed by Richard Hawkins, January 12, 2026
5. Borden County Jail Marker
Photographed by Richard Hawkins, January 12, 2026
6. Borden County Jail Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 9, 2018, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 768 times since then and 60 times this year. Last updated on August 8, 2026, by Joe Lotz of Flower Mound, Texas. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 9, 2018, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 12, 2026, by Richard Hawkins of Phelan, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
