San Marcos in Hays County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Calaboose

Photographed By Jim Evans, September 1, 2014

1. The Calaboose Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Constructed as the first Hays County Jail in 1873, this small brick structure was later an annex for black prisoners. Known locally as the Calaboose, it became a neighborhood recreation center after the city of San Marcos acquired it in 1885. In the 1940s it was enlarged with a wooden addition and served as a U.S.O. center for black World War II servicemen. In later years, the Calaboose again became a community recreation center. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1990

Erected 1990 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10246.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.

Location. 29° 52.8′ N, 97° 56.557′ W. Marker is in San Marcos, Texas, in Hays County. Marker is at the intersection of West Martin Luther King Drive and Feltner Alley, on the right when traveling west on West Martin Luther King Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 W Martin Luther King Drive, San Marcos TX 78666, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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walking distance of this marker. Eddie Durham (a few steps from this marker); Ulysses Cephas (within shouting distance of this marker); Wesley Chapel A. M. E. Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Simon Ford Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); 131 North Guadalupe (approx. 0.2 miles away); Green and Faris Buildings (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Courthouses of Hays County (approx. 0.2 miles away); 100 West Hopkins (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Marcos.

Additional keywords. Jail

The Calaboose image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jim Evans, September 1, 2014

2. The Calaboose

This small brick building is the original Calaboose. To the left of the brick area in the picture is a wooden addition added 70 years later. Behind this brick building is a larger two story block structure that became the jail and sheriff's office replacing the Calaboose.

African American History Museum Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jim Evans, September 1, 2014

3. African American History Museum Sign

The Calaboose's latest reincarnation is as an African American History Museum. But, the museum appears to have been closed for renovation for 12+ years.

A Later Jail and Sheriff's Office image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jim Evans, September 1, 2014

4. A Later Jail and Sheriff's Office

The building, located behind the Calaboose, is a later jail and sheriff's office. When I first arrived I mistakenly assumed it was The Calaboose and began to think the marker was missing.

The Calaboose Marker Area image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry D. Moore, May 11, 2020

5. The Calaboose Marker Area

Credits. This page was last revised on May 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 659 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 5, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 5. submitted on May 13, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.