Belton Texas Bell County Jail. (original) (raw)

"Jail for sale! The old Bell County jail is now being used as a private residence."
- Terry Jeanson, July 2007 photo

Historical Marker:

Early Bell County Jail

In 1854, four years after the county was organized, a 2-story structure of logs was built on this site, to serve as the first Bell County jail. That log jail was replaced in 1873 by this building of native limestone. In 1874, vigilantes from all parts of Texas raided this jail and executed nine men charged with murder, robbery, horse theft and other crimes. This citizens' attack was regarded as a major factor in ending lawlessness in Bell County during the 1870's. Building was rented to city of Belton in 1884 when third county jail was completed. Sold later.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967

Historical marker on front of the old Bell County jail.
Photo courtesy Terry Jeanson, July 2007

The jail's original limestone facade underneath the current stucco exterior.
Photo courtesy Terry Jeanson, July 2007

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