Old Kendall County Jail

Built in 1884 of native limestone rock to house criminals in Kendall county, this building still stands at 208 E. San Antonio Street. The original bars can still be seen from the outside of the building.

Before the invention of air conditioning, ventilation from windows was necessary for cooling the inside of buildings in the Texas heat. Open windows would pose an easy escape for prisoners of the jail, so iron bars were a necessity in keeping “the bad guys locked up”.

In the old days, “theft” was the most common offense for which people went to jail. Most of these charges pertained to livestock and farm equipment. Other reasons for going to jail would be public drunkenness, burglary, assault (fighting), disturbing the peace, carrying weapons, and murder.

In the 1950s and 60s many prisoners were serving charges for driving while intoxicated, speeding, traffic violations, and not having a driver’s license. Oh, yes, theft, drunkenness, burglary, and assault were still on the list.

The building was vacated as a jail in 1986 when a new facility was built off of Adler Road. It is currently being used as county offices.

The history of the building to the left is unclear. It is located adjacent to the old jail. It is believed to have been the original jail built prior to 1860. During the Civil War this building was used as a commissary (store) for soldiers and is currently used as an office.