The Brown County Museum of History marked the 120th anniversary of the opening of the Old Jail with free admission to both venues Thursday, and a presentation was held to commemorate the milestone.
Museum Coordinator Kyndall Howard shared the history of the old jail facility during the presentation, which opened on June 29, 1903.
The jail was the third in Brown County as the first – a wooden facility – was burned down, along with the courthouse, in 1880 by a prisoner that escaped. The second jail was deemed not sufficient for the needs, which led to the third jail being constructed. Work began in January of 1902 and the doors opened midway through 1903 – and the structure remained as county jail until 1981, a string of 78 years.
In 1983, the jail was preserved and established as a museum and for the past 40 years has served as a historical landmark.
Along with housing prisoners, the jail served as the home for the sheriff and his family. The first floor featured living quarters – a parlor and three bedrooms – and there is a small back yard where children played.
The first two floors of the jail are open to tours during regular Brown County Museum of History hours.
Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes, Early Mayor Dr. Robert Mangrum and Brown County Judge Shane Britton were on hand and delivered comments to the dozens in attendance.
Each signed a proclamation declaring June 29 as Brown County Museum of History Day in honor of the Old Jail’s anniversary.