Hays County Jail
170 Fredericksburg St., San Marcos, TXA low-pitched roof and bracketed eaves bespeak the Italianate character of the old Hays County Jail. This style, more often used on residences, adds grace to the otherwise almost undecorated, forbidding edifice. The building served county law enforcement efforts for more than half a century.
The County Commissioners met on Valentine's Day, 1884, to sign a contract for the construction of the new jail on the same lot as the one built in 1873. Edward Northcraft and B. F. Donalson were given until August 12 to complete their task, for which $11,500 had been allocated. Specifications were firm. The jail was to be constructed of the best stone, brick, and lumber.
Hays County's only official hanging was held in the jailyard on April 9, 1915. One Benjamin Guerrero is reported to have puffed a cigar and quipped "Fine show, no?" to the crowd just before his execution. The jail lasted until 1937 when frequent breakouts and repairs necessitated a new one.
The County Commissioners met on Valentine's Day, 1884, to sign a contract for the construction of the new jail on the same lot as the one built in 1873. Edward Northcraft and B. F. Donalson were given until August 12 to complete their task, for which $11,500 had been allocated. Specifications were firm. The jail was to be constructed of the best stone, brick, and lumber.
Hays County's only official hanging was held in the jailyard on April 9, 1915. One Benjamin Guerrero is reported to have puffed a cigar and quipped "Fine show, no?" to the crowd just before his execution. The jail lasted until 1937 when frequent breakouts and repairs necessitated a new one.
Bibliography
Records of the Hays County Commissioners Court, Book C, pp. 391-405, February 14, 1884.
San Marcos Record, April 16, 1915.
Hays County Times-Leader, April 16, 1915.
San Marcos Record, April 16, 1915.
Hays County Times-Leader, April 16, 1915.
Law; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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.
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The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
About Hays County
Hays County Timeline
Hays County, located in the central part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Tonkawa and Comanche peoples. However, the first recorded European arrival in the region occurred in 1690 when Spanish explorers made their way through the area.
In the early 1800s, Anglo-American settlers began to establish permanent settlements in what is now Hays County. One of the most notable figures in the county's history is Captain John Coffee "Jack" Hays, a Texas Ranger who played a significant role in fighting against Native American raids in the region. As a result of his contributions, the county was renamed in his honor in 1848.
During the mid-1800s, Hays County experienced rapid growth and development, fueled by the arrival of the railroad in the region. The county became an important hub for agriculture, with cotton and cattle as the main industries. The county seat, San Marcos, played a key role in the growth of education in the area, becoming home to Southwest Texas State Normal School (now Texas State University) in 1899.
In the 20th century, Hays County continued to evolve and modernize. The population increased steadily as more people were attracted to the area’s natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and proximity to Austin. Today, Hays County remains a vibrant and growing community, serving as a bridge between the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country and the urban amenities of nearby metropolitan areas.
In the early 1800s, Anglo-American settlers began to establish permanent settlements in what is now Hays County. One of the most notable figures in the county's history is Captain John Coffee "Jack" Hays, a Texas Ranger who played a significant role in fighting against Native American raids in the region. As a result of his contributions, the county was renamed in his honor in 1848.
During the mid-1800s, Hays County experienced rapid growth and development, fueled by the arrival of the railroad in the region. The county became an important hub for agriculture, with cotton and cattle as the main industries. The county seat, San Marcos, played a key role in the growth of education in the area, becoming home to Southwest Texas State Normal School (now Texas State University) in 1899.
In the 20th century, Hays County continued to evolve and modernize. The population increased steadily as more people were attracted to the area’s natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and proximity to Austin. Today, Hays County remains a vibrant and growing community, serving as a bridge between the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country and the urban amenities of nearby metropolitan areas.
Hays County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Hays County, Texas.
- 1837: Hays County is officially established as a county when the Republic of Texas is formed.
- 1848: The county seat is established in the town of San Marcos.
- 1856: A charter is granted to create the Hays County Agricultural, Manufacturing, and Mechanical Association.
- 1861: With the outbreak of the Civil War, many men from Hays County volunteer for service in the Confederate Army.
- 1881: The International-Great Northern Railroad is completed, connecting San Marcos to Austin and San Antonio.
- 1903: Southwest Texas State Normal School (now known as Texas State University) is established in San Marcos.
- 1938: The Blanco River floods, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure in Hays County.
- 1996: The Hays County Courthouse, built in 1909, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2015: The county experiences widespread flooding from heavy rains, resulting in several deaths and extensive property damage.