Old Frio County Jail
a.k.a. Frio Pioneer Jail Museum
E. Medina and S. Pecan Sts., Pearsall, TXThe Old Frio County Jail, an outstanding example of a 19th-century Victorian public structure in Texas, is architecturally distinguished and important historically. The 1884 plastered brick jail, with its pedimented gables and delicately corbelled cornices, exhibits a stately symmetrical design and a high level of craftsmanship. In addition to the excellent quality of architectural detail, it is significant that the sturdy and functional design of this jail permitted its continuous use by the County for eighty-three years, with only minor repairs. The oldest building in Pearsall, the Old Frio County Jail is located on the original town square and is closely bound to the early pioneer history and railroad settlement of the town.
With the advent of the railroad in Frio County in 1881, the new town of Pearsall was laid out and named for the vice-president of the International and Great Northern Railroad, Thomas W. Pearsall. A four-block area east of the tracks, currently designated as Courthouse Square, was donated to the county of Frio by the Railroad Company. By popular vote, the county seat was moved from Frio Town to the railroad center of Pearsall in 1883 and immediate plans were made for the construction of a new escape-proof jail. Numerous prisoners had escaped from the county jail at Frio Town and it was abandoned after the removal of the county seat, while construction of the Pearsall jail was in progress. During this interim period, all prisoners were transferred to the Bexar County Jail at San Antonio and later moved to the La Salle County Jail at Cotulla.
On January 7, 1884, the Commissioners Court met with J.J. Ligon, representing the firm of P.J. Pauly & Bro. of St. Louis, Missouri, and approved the construction of a jail to be located as near as possible to the center of the original donated four block area. For the sum of $11,000 the new jail was built on the site where the temporary courthouse had been built the previous autumn.
One of the oldest buildings in Frio County, the County jail at Pearsall functioned continuously as a public jail from the period of its construction in 1884 through 1967, when a new jail was completed. During the Prohibition Era cells were used for storing seized liquor, and in 1969 the jail served as a distribution center for commodities under a Federal Aid Program. Since 1975 the interior of the Old Frio County Jail has been renovated by the County and the Frio Pioneer Jail Museum Association for use as a public museum.
Local significance of the building:
With the advent of the railroad in Frio County in 1881, the new town of Pearsall was laid out and named for the vice-president of the International and Great Northern Railroad, Thomas W. Pearsall. A four-block area east of the tracks, currently designated as Courthouse Square, was donated to the county of Frio by the Railroad Company. By popular vote, the county seat was moved from Frio Town to the railroad center of Pearsall in 1883 and immediate plans were made for the construction of a new escape-proof jail. Numerous prisoners had escaped from the county jail at Frio Town and it was abandoned after the removal of the county seat, while construction of the Pearsall jail was in progress. During this interim period, all prisoners were transferred to the Bexar County Jail at San Antonio and later moved to the La Salle County Jail at Cotulla.
On January 7, 1884, the Commissioners Court met with J.J. Ligon, representing the firm of P.J. Pauly & Bro. of St. Louis, Missouri, and approved the construction of a jail to be located as near as possible to the center of the original donated four block area. For the sum of $11,000 the new jail was built on the site where the temporary courthouse had been built the previous autumn.
One of the oldest buildings in Frio County, the County jail at Pearsall functioned continuously as a public jail from the period of its construction in 1884 through 1967, when a new jail was completed. During the Prohibition Era cells were used for storing seized liquor, and in 1969 the jail served as a distribution center for commodities under a Federal Aid Program. Since 1975 the interior of the Old Frio County Jail has been renovated by the County and the Frio Pioneer Jail Museum Association for use as a public museum.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
About National Register Listings
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 state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
About Frio County
Frio County Timeline
Frio County, located in southwest Texas, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The region was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecans and Lipan Apaches, who relied on the area's abundant natural resources for survival.
The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 17th century brought significant changes to the region. Spanish missionaries established settlements and began introducing Christianity to the Native American tribes. One such settlement was the San Agustín de Laredo Presidio, which was founded in 1755 and served as a military outpost to protect Spanish interests in the area.
During the 19th century, Frio County experienced its major period of settlement. In 1858, the first Anglo-American families began to arrive, attracted by the fertile land and the potential for agriculture. The county was officially established in 1858 and was named after the Frio River, which runs through its western portion.
The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought further development and prosperity to Frio County. Oil fields were established in the area, attracting workers and boosting the local economy. Today, Frio County is known for its oil and gas production, as well as its agricultural activities such as ranching and farming. The county continues to thrive, blending its rich history with modern industry and a strong sense of community.
The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 17th century brought significant changes to the region. Spanish missionaries established settlements and began introducing Christianity to the Native American tribes. One such settlement was the San Agustín de Laredo Presidio, which was founded in 1755 and served as a military outpost to protect Spanish interests in the area.
During the 19th century, Frio County experienced its major period of settlement. In 1858, the first Anglo-American families began to arrive, attracted by the fertile land and the potential for agriculture. The county was officially established in 1858 and was named after the Frio River, which runs through its western portion.
The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought further development and prosperity to Frio County. Oil fields were established in the area, attracting workers and boosting the local economy. Today, Frio County is known for its oil and gas production, as well as its agricultural activities such as ranching and farming. The county continues to thrive, blending its rich history with modern industry and a strong sense of community.
Frio County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Frio County, Texas.
- 1858 - Frio County is established from portions of Atascosa, Bexar, Uvalde, and Webb counties.
- 1868 - The first post office is established in Frio City.
- 1878 - The county seat is moved from Frio City to Pearsall.
- 1880 - The Southern Pacific Railroad is extended into Frio County, boosting economic growth.
- 1900 - The population of Frio County reaches over 7,000 residents.
- 1911 - A major flood causes significant damage to the county.
- 1927 - Frio County suffers from another devastating flood.
- 1934 - The Civilian Conservation Corps establishes Camp F-2 Company 1827 at Frio County Airport.
- 1940s - The discovery of oil and gas leads to increased economic activity in the county.
- 1990 - The population of Frio County exceeds 12,000 residents.
- 2010 - Frio County celebrates its 150th anniversary.