San Jacinto County Jail

Slade and Loyd St., Coldspring, TX
Local significance of the building:
Law; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
San Jacinto County, Texas, is located in the southeastern part of the state. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Atakapa, Akokisa, and Caddo peoples. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive, with Stephen F. Austin's colony bringing the first wave of Anglo-Americans to the region.

The county was officially established in 1870, named after the Battle of San Jacinto, a turning point in the Texas Revolution. The battle took place in 1836, when Texan forces led by General Sam Houston defeated Mexican forces led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna. This victory led to the independence of Texas from Mexico.

San Jacinto County experienced significant growth in the late 19th century due to the expansion of the railroad in the region. The Houston, East, and West Texas Railway reached the county in 1879, opening up opportunities for trade and commerce. The timber industry also played a crucial role in the county's development, with logging becoming a major economic driver.

In the 20th century, San Jacinto County faced challenges such as the Great Depression and natural disasters like hurricanes and floods. However, the county persisted and continued to grow. Today, San Jacinto County is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, with the Sam Houston National Forest and Lake Livingston attracting visitors and residents alike. The county also maintains its historical importance, holding events and commemorations related to the Battle of San Jacinto and the Texas Revolution.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of San Jacinto County, Texas.

  • 1832: The area that would become San Jacinto County is settled by a few families.
  • 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto takes place, a turning point in the Texas Revolution.
  • 1848: San Jacinto County is officially formed and organized as a county in the Republic of Texas.
  • 1850: The county's population reaches 648 residents.
  • 1870s: The timber industry begins to flourish in San Jacinto County.
  • 1872: The county's first newspaper, The San Jacinto Times, is established.
  • 1900: The population of San Jacinto County reaches 8,603.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression greatly affects the county's economy, leading to a decline in the timber industry.
  • 1940: The population of San Jacinto County decreases to 4,110.
  • 1960s: Multiple oil and gas wells are established in the county, bringing economic growth.
  • 1970: The population of San Jacinto County reaches 10,761.
  • 1990: The population of San Jacinto County reaches 16,672.
  • 2000: The population of San Jacinto County reaches 22,246.
  • 2010: The population of San Jacinto County reaches 26,384.