1925 Henderson County Jail
Historical marker location:
AS EARLY AS 1850, HENDERSON COUNTY OFFICIALS REALIZED THE NEED FOR A COUNTY JAIL. THE FIRST JAIL WAS COMPLETED IN 1856 OR 1857. IT BECAME KNOWN AS THE LOG CALABOOSE. A NEW JAIL WAS BUILT IN 1874 FACING NORTH COMMON STREET. ON NOVEMBER 1, 1897, A FIRE BROKE OUT IN THE MASONIC HALL AND SOON THE ENTIRE BLOCK WAS IN FLAMES, INCLUDING THE 1874 COUNTY JAIL. THE NEXT YEAR, THE HENDERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT ORDERED A NEW JAIL AND SITE. THIS BUILDING WAS COMPLETED IN 1898 AND WAS IN USE UNTIL 1925.
OVER THE YEARS, THE 1898 JAILHOUSE DETERIORATED AND BECAME UNSAFE FOR USE. IN 1924, SEVERAL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REQUESTED THAT A NEW JAIL BE BUILT INSTEAD OF REPAIRING THE OLD JAIL. AFTER SOME DEBATE, CONSTRUCTION WAS APPROVED WITH H.A. OVERBECK OF DALLAS OVERSEEING THE DESIGN AND THE PAULY JAIL COMPANY PROVIDING THE IRON BARS AND DOOR LOCKS. THE JAIL WAS COMPLETED IN 1925 ON THE SAME LOT AS THE 1898 BUILDING.
THE 1925 HENDERSON COUNTY JAIL IS A TWO-STORY BUILDING WITH A BASEMENT, APPROXIMATELY 80 FEET BY 43 FEET IN AMERICAN GOTHIC REVIVAL STYLE WITH SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF ITALIAN URBANISM. THE BUILDING WAS EXPANDED IN THE 1980s WITH A SIDE ADDITION TO COMPENSATE FOR THE INCREASE OF INMATE POPULATIONS.
BY 1989, THE COUNTY NEEDED MORE SPACE SO DISCUSSIONS BEGAN TO BUILD A LARGER JAIL ON MURCHISON STREET. PRISONERS WERE MOVED TO THE NEW JAIL IN 1991. THE 1925 HENDERSON COUNTY JAIL HAS BEEN USED AS A STORAGE FACILITY FOR THE COUNTY CLERK AND COUNTY RECORDS AND THE HENDERSON COUNTY ARCHIVES BUILDING. IT NOW SERVES AS THE HOME FOR THE HENDERSON COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION OFFICES
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
In the mid-19th century, Henderson County experienced a significant influx of settlers, mainly from the southern United States. These settlers primarily engaged in agriculture, taking advantage of the fertile soils and favorable climate to grow crops such as cotton, corn, and vegetables. The first county seat was established in Athens, which remains the county seat to this day.
During the Civil War, Henderson County, like much of the South, was affected by the conflict. Although there were no significant battles fought in the area, the war had a profound impact on the local economy and social fabric. Many men from Henderson County enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the war's aftermath brought significant challenges and changes to the region.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Henderson County continued to thrive, with the agricultural industry playing a pivotal role in the local economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further bolstered economic development, facilitating the transportation of goods and increasing opportunities for trade. Over time, other industries such as manufacturing and healthcare also emerged. Today, Henderson County remains a vibrant community, preserving its rich heritage while embracing progress and growth.
Henderson County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Henderson County, Texas.
- 1846 - Henderson County established as a county of the Republic of Texas.
- 1850 - First census conducted, showing a population of 1,714.
- 1851 - Athens becomes the county seat.
- 1861-1865 - Henderson County residents participate in the American Civil War.
- 1880 - Cotton production becomes a major industry in the county.
- 1902 - The first oil well is drilled in the county, leading to the development of the oil industry.
- 1930s-1940s - Henderson County experiences economic growth due to the construction of the Cross Lake Dam and the establishment of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Fish Hatchery and Fish Experiment Station.
- 1960s-1970s - Lake Palestine and Cedar Creek Lake are created, attracting tourism and real estate development.
- 1987 - The Henderson County Courthouse is destroyed by fire but is rebuilt and restored.
- 2000 - The population of Henderson County reaches 73,277.
- 2019 - Henderson County celebrates its 173rd anniversary since establishment.