By
Texas Historical Commission
The Bosque County Jail was erected in 1895 and constructed of rusticated, ashlar-cut,
white limestone. Situated
one block. east of the county courthouse, the jail stands on the same block as
the original. 1856 log jail. The present
structure has served as the county jail since its completion in 1895, For many
years, the first floor served as the sheriff's
living quarters (as originally intended), but in recent years has been used as
the sheriff's office. The second floor contains
the prison cells.
Built on a "T" shaped floor plan, the two-story jail is typical of many late
19th century jails in Texas. All first floor
openings are capped with smooth stone lintels while the second floor windows are
crowned with semicircular arches,
These arches, one of the building's most distinctive features, are comprised of
massive voussoirs and demonstrate the
craftsmanship of John Drew, the building's stone mason. All openings, except the
entrances on the west and north
facades, are supported by large stone sills. Smooth stone quoins provide visual
support and refinement for the jail.
A stone cornice and parapet crown the building, causing the jail to resemble
a medieval fortress. Six corner piers and
three interior chimneys extend beyond the parapet. Simple stone consoles support
the cornice.
The jail will soon be vacated when the county completes construction of a new jail.
The Bosque County Jail stands as one of the few 19th century limestone
buildings remaining in Meridian. Located one
block east of the county courthouse, the jail stands on the site of the original
log jail and is a good example of the type
of jail constructed in Texas during the late 19th century. The current structure
has continuously served as the county
jail since its completion in 1895.
Settlement in the Bosque territory began in 1850, and four years later,
Bosque County was organized from McLennan
County. Meridian was named the county seat. Recognizing the need for jail
facilities, the County Commissioners
immediately set aside Block 18 for a jail. Two years later, a simple log
structure was erected for that purpose. Despite
numerous complaints about its inadequacies, the jail continued to serve in its
original capacity until l895.
In the early 1890s bonds were issued by the county to generate revenue for
the construction of a new jail. In 1895, the
present jail was erected on the old site. Although the architect is not known,
John Drew, a local stone mason, supervised
the masonry work for the jail.
The county is presently constructing a new jail, and efforts by
preservationists within the county are being taken to insure
saving this important structure.
BIBLIOGRAPHY ON FILE IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER
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County Coordinator:
Gayle Triller
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