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Claude in Armstrong County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
 

Armstrong County Jail

 
 
Armstrong County Jail Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 22, 2016
1. Armstrong County Jail Marker
Inscription. Erected in 1953, this building is constructed of stone used to build the first masonry jail in Armstrong County, 1894. Stone for the structure (which replaced a primitive, frame "calaboose") was quarried 14 miles south at Dripping Springs in Palo Duro Canyon and then hauled here in wagons driven by local citizens. The rock was cut at this site.

The 1894 building had two stories, topped by a dome, and 20-inch walls. So sturdy was it that dangerous convicts from other counties were kept here. Old-timers remember that only three prisoners ever escaped.
 
Erected 1969 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 203.)
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: ArchitectureNotable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1953.
 
Location. 35° 6.626′ N, 101° 21.606′ W. Marker is in Claude, Texas, in Armstrong County. It is at the intersection of West 1st Street (U.S. 287) and Parks Street, on the right when traveling west on West 1st Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 West 1st Street, Claude TX 79019, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Texas Panhandle. It is also on the American Great Plains and specifically on the Southern Plains. 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 Comancherνa, the Dust Bowl, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Early Sheriffs (here, next to this marker); "The Claude News" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct
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line); Charles Howard Roan (about 500 feet away); The Great Panhandle Indian Scare of 1891 (about 500 feet away); Boy Scout Troop No. 17 (about 500 feet away); Town of Claude (about 500 feet away); Route of Coronado Expedition (about 500 feet away); Dr. and Mrs. Wm. A. Warner (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Claude.
 
Armstrong County Jail image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 22, 2016
2. Armstrong County Jail
Armstrong County Jail cornerstone. image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 22, 2016
3. Armstrong County Jail cornerstone.
The view west on U.S. Highway 287. image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 22, 2016
4. The view west on U.S. Highway 287.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 945 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 13, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
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Jun. 11, 2026