History

The Wharton County Jail is a historic jail located in Wharton, Texas. It was built in 1889 and is one of the oldest jails in Texas. The jail is made of red brick and has a distinctive castellated roofline. It is located on the corner of Main and Milam Streets, across from the Wharton County Courthouse.

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Construction

The Wharton County Jail was built by local contractor J.W. Hawkins. The jail was completed in 1889 at a cost of $20,000. The jail is made of red brick and has a distinctive castellated roofline. The walls are 18 inches thick and the exterior is covered in a white paint. The interior of the jail has two stories, with a basement and an attic. The first floor contains the jail cells, the sheriff's office, and the kitchen. The second floor contains the jailer's living quarters and a courtroom. The basement contains the boiler room and the storage room. The attic contains the jail's water tank.

Use

The Wharton County Jail was used to house prisoners from Wharton County. The jail was also used to house prisoners from other counties in Texas. The jail was closed in 1972 and was replaced by a new jail.

Restoration

The Wharton County Jail was restored in 1988 and is now open to the public as a museum. The jail is open seven days a week and admission is free. The museum includes exhibits on the history of the jail, the types of prisoners who were housed there, and the conditions in which they lived. The museum also includes a gift shop and a research library.

Significance

The Wharton County Jail is a significant landmark in Wharton, Texas. It is one of the oldest jails in Texas and is a reminder of the county's history. The jail is also a popular tourist destination, and it provides an interesting glimpse into the lives of prisoners in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Architectural Style

The Wharton County Jail is an example of the Victorian Gothic architectural style. This style was popular in the United States from the 1840s to the 1880s. Victorian Gothic buildings are characterized by their steeply pitched roofs, pointed arches, and decorative details. The Wharton County Jail is a relatively simple example of the Victorian Gothic style, but it is still a striking and distinctive building.

Jail Cells

The Wharton County Jail has two stories of jail cells. The first floor cells are larger and have windows, while the second floor cells are smaller and darker. The cells are made of iron bars and are very basic. They contain a bed, a toilet, and a sink. Some of the cells also have a small table and chair.

Conditions

The conditions in the Wharton County Jail were harsh. The cells were small and overcrowded, and the prisoners were often forced to sleep on the floor. The jail was also very unsanitary, and the prisoners were often sick. The jailer was responsible for feeding the prisoners, and the food was often meager and of poor quality.

Notable Prisoners

The Wharton County Jail has housed a number of notable prisoners over the years. Some of the most famous prisoners include:

• John Wesley Hardin: Hardin was a notorious outlaw who was convicted of murder in 1874. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison, but he escaped after serving only 17 years.
• Belle Starr: Starr was a female outlaw who was convicted of horse theft in 1886. She was sentenced to one year in prison, but she was pardoned after serving only six months.
• Butch Cassidy: Cassidy was a famous train robber who was convicted of robbery in 1894. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but he escaped after serving only two years.