Coldspring in San Jacinto County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
San Jacinto County Jail
Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, September 13, 2025
1. San Jacinto County Jail Marker
Noted for rare but never used hangman's trap. Second jail for San Jacinto County which was organized 1871, this structure was built in 1887 by L.T. Noyes of Houston. Later, the Southern Structural Steel Company of San Antonio installed cells and the unusual execution device. That firm also built annex in 1911.
In 1915 San Jacinto County's frame courthouse burned. When a new brick courthouse was built a quarter-mile to the southwest, axis of the town shifted from area of the jail, which still serves its official role.
Erected 1982 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 7669.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings.
Location. 30° 35.774′ N, 95° 7.709′ W. Marker is in Coldspring, Texas, in San Jacinto County. It is on Commercial Avenue 0.2 miles north of Byrd Avenue (County Route 1514), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Coldspring TX 77331, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South and in the Piney Woods. 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, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old San Jacinto County Jail (a few steps from this marker); McClanahan-Trapp House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Laurel Hill Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); General James Davis
this page online
Regarding San Jacinto County Jail. This building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Photographed by Jim Evans, August 10, 2016
2. Old San Jacinto County Jail
Note second marker on right corner of building. I didn't realize that marker was there until I looked at the picture.
Photographed by Jim Evans, August 10, 2016
3. San Jacinto County Jail Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2016, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 727 times since then and 97 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 29, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on August 11, 2016, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
