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

Bell County Jail is a historical marker in Belton, Bell County, dedicated in 1967. It is one of 226 historical markers documented in Bell County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 411 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.0579, -97.4645 near Belton. The nearest cataloged historic site is William Whitaker Reed (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Carnegie Library Building, Woman's Wednesday Club of Belton, and Carnegie Public Library.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5027001336. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.