Bell County Jail
(1854-present)

place and gaol

Aged 170

Commemorated on 1 plaque

Texas Historical Marker #01336

Early Bell County Jail. In 1854, four years after the county was organized, a 2-story structure of logs was built on this site, to serve as the first Bell County jail. That log jail was replaced in 1873 by this building of native limestone. In 1874, vigilantes from all parts of Texas raided this jail and executed nine men charged with murder, robbery, horse theft and other crimes. This citizens' attack was regarded as a major factor in ending lawlessness in Bell County during the 1870's. Building was rented to city of Belton in 1884 when third county jail was completed. Sold later. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967 #1336

210 N. Pearl, Belton, TX, United States where it sited (1854)