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One
post of the $2000.00 Fence
Photos August 2004 |
In
the early 1880s, the county issued twenty-two bonds at $1000 each
to build a new first-class jail. An iron fence was ordered from Philadelphia
for $2,074. It managed to survive the scrap drives of WWII and it's
still keeping livestock off the lawn 120 years later. So far, that
comes to only $17 a year.
The building's limestone came from nearby Muldoon,
Texas. The stone was in demand for it's unusual blue color and
it was used in many notable buildings around the state. The county's
courthouse one block north (1897) is also made of Muldoon
blue sandstone.
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Top
view of the jail
Photo December 2001 |
The
jail is also said to be haunted. One of the suspected spirits is said
to be that of a Fayette County woman who murdered a hired hand and
then committed suicide by staging a successful hunger strike. Another
legend says the skeletons of several hapless prisoners remain chained
to the walls under sand and silt from a flooding of the Colorado River.
The sheriff couldn't - or didn't - get them out in time. They've been
telling that story around cub scout campfires for years.
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One
of the "outside cells."
Photo October 2004 |
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convenient feature were the two exterior “drunk blocks.” These freestanding
cement cells on the jail lawn came with their own “bath.” These cells
were for prisoners too drunk (or rowdy) to climb the four-step staircase
of the entrance. One of the cells has been kept for display. |
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Front
view of the jail
Photo December 2001 |
A
local history published in 1975 stated: “The old jail may one day
become a museum and landmark.” The jail was in use up until 1985.
Now, in 2005 – the 121 year old structure is indeed a landmark. One
of handsomest and best preserved 19th Century jails in Texas. It currently
houses the La Grange Chamber of Commerce.
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One of the two matching round windows that flank the main door
Photos August 2004 |
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