Corsicana in Navarro County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Corsicana City Jail of 1908
Photographed by James Hulse, August 23, 2026
1. Corsicana City Jail of 1908 Marker
The city's first brick jail, this structure was erected in 1908 adjacent to the city hall on a lot purchased from Rebecca A. Croft, widow of Judge William Croft. On the lower floor were cells and on the top floor the police chief's office, occupied by Will S. Knight, Corsicana's first police chief, 1906-36. His office was moved to the new city hall in 1924 and two more cells added. The facilities were heated by gas in the winter and at times were crowded with as many as 80 prisoners. This building housed the city jail until 1974.
Erected 1978 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11606.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.
Location. 32° 5.611′ N, 96° 27.945′ W. Marker is in Corsicana, Texas, in Navarro County. It is on West 5th Avenue near North Main Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 207 West 5th Avenue, Corsicana TX 75110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region. It is also in the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: R.N. White (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt. Colonel W. W. Green (within shouting distance of this marker); Letter From the Alamo (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Corsicana (about 400 feet away); Corsicana Public Library (about 400 feet away); Samuel Wistar Johnson, M. D. (about 400 feet away); Henry G. Damon (about 400 feet away); Early Texas Natural Gas Pipelines (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corsicana.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Corsicana Army Airfield (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by James Hulse, August 23, 2026
2. Corsicana City Jail of 1908 Marker
Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 15, 2012
3. Corsicana City Jail of 1908 Marker
Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 15, 2012
4. Corsicana City Jail of 1908 Marker, seen left, behind steel door
Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 15, 2012
5. Corsicana City Jail of 1908, eastside view
Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,009 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 24, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 25, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
