Kyle Jail Cell

Written By Preservation Texas

Constructed in 1885, this small wooden structure contains a jail cell which was removed from the 1873 Hays County Jail in San Marcos and donated to the city of Kyle to serve as its first city jail. Often referred to as a “calaboose,” small municipal jails like this one generally served as short-term lock-ups. The Kyle Calaboose remained in use until at least 1925. In 1961, the Calaboose was moved to Aquarena Springs in San Marcos where it was used as an educational tourist attraction.  After the closure of the attraction in 1996, local advocates moved the structure to its current location, behind the Old Hays County jail in San Marcos, where it awaits restoration.

ADDRESS: Near 170 Fredericksburg St, San Marcos (Hays County)

DESIGNATION: None

CONDITION: Poor

OWNER: Hays County

RESOURCE TYPE: Jail

YEAR LISTED: 2012

Preservation Texas
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