Along with the courthouse, the county jail is the one building in town that was generally
meant to last. Its large stone walls and iron bars made sure that those inside couldn't get
out, and those on the outside wouldn't want to come in.
Not every crime was conveniently perpetrated in the county seat, however. So what
could a small town law enforcement officer do when he had to arrest a person for some
nefarious act, but could not transport the accused until the next day?
He'd rely on the calaboose to hold those who strayed from the law. A calaboose is a free
standing, one room concrete block usually situated behind the town center (and in close
proximity to the sheriff's office). The word "calaboose" stems from the Spanish word for
"dungeon," calabozo, but in the vernacular, they are referred to as the "hoosegow."
Luckily for us, a few of these frontier-justice relics remain. I've made it one of my
missions to photograph every calaboose I come across. And although the name implies a
rather sinister structure, I've yet to encounter iron spikes or thumb screws. Instead, all
calabooses (or calabice?) are concrete block houses, with a door and a small window,
which would house a thief, cattle rustler, or drunk for a night. In fact, the word "drunk
tank" immediately comes to mind!
meant to last. Its large stone walls and iron bars made sure that those inside couldn't get
out, and those on the outside wouldn't want to come in.
Not every crime was conveniently perpetrated in the county seat, however. So what
could a small town law enforcement officer do when he had to arrest a person for some
nefarious act, but could not transport the accused until the next day?
He'd rely on the calaboose to hold those who strayed from the law. A calaboose is a free
standing, one room concrete block usually situated behind the town center (and in close
proximity to the sheriff's office). The word "calaboose" stems from the Spanish word for
"dungeon," calabozo, but in the vernacular, they are referred to as the "hoosegow."
Luckily for us, a few of these frontier-justice relics remain. I've made it one of my
missions to photograph every calaboose I come across. And although the name implies a
rather sinister structure, I've yet to encounter iron spikes or thumb screws. Instead, all
calabooses (or calabice?) are concrete block houses, with a door and a small window,
which would house a thief, cattle rustler, or drunk for a night. In fact, the word "drunk
tank" immediately comes to mind!
 |
| |
 |
| The most well-known (and well-kept) calaboose is the one in downtown Grapevine. Once the overnight home to associates of the Barrow Gang, the structure was moved from behind the square to Main Street once Grapevine became a tourist destination. |
| Come on in, my pretty....! If you have any photos of a calaboose, or know where one is so I can photograph it, please send the info my way! robin@redriverhistorian.com |
| The calaboose in Kemp, Texas, has some interesting history hiding behind its brick walls. The first time Bonnie Parker accompanied Clyde Barrow on a robbery, she, Clyde, and accomplice Ralph Fults found themselves in a shoot-out from which only Clyde escaped. Captured by local police and townsmen, Bonnie and Ralph, who was injured, were locked up in the Kemp calaboose until they could be transported to Kaufman, the county seat, in the morning. Most citizens of the town peered into the calaboose to get a good look at the two bandits, who were rumored to be Pretty Boy Floyd and his moll (since no one had heard of the Barrow Gang at that time yet). Eyewitnesses recall Bonnie hissing at their prying eyes and yelling out for a doctor for poor Ralph. This was the only time Bonnie Parker ever spent in jail. |
| The Frisco, TX calaboose sits in an overgown lot and is used mostly as a tool storage shed. |
| Room For One |
| Donna Walters sent me this great picture of a calaboose in Keota, Oklahoma (Haskell County, in the Sans Bois Mountains). Thank you so much for sharing your photo, Donna! Her message reads: Hello Robin, Just wanted to share a really cool calaboose with you which is in Keota, Haskell County, Oklahoma.I had a few relatives who spent a lot of nights in this jail after having a few "choc" beers or white lightning made in the hills of the San Bois, Oklahoma mountain ranges. I am including a photo which is fairly good. The jail is unkempt and the town of Keota doesn't seem concerned with saving this historical building so maybe it can go online and will be remembered through photos. The last time I saw the jail it was overgrown with weeds and trees were beginning to grow up through it and around it. This jail house is next to the Mill off of Hwy 9 which goes through the center of Keota, OK. If you need any more information on the jail let me know. I have a couple of family stories about the jail and especially one from an old timer Great Uncle of mine who slept in it quite often. |
| The now-defunct city jail in Boswell, Oklahoma had two cells and four bunks to make one's stay as pleasant as possible. Or not. The jail was in use from 1905 until the 1960s. Diane Tellez alerted me to this calaboose - thanks, Diane! |
| Often, calabooses sit in ghost towns, like this one in Odell, Texas. The jail lies in the middle of a field. |
| Inside the Odell calaboose, the frame of an iron bed tells the story of utter boredom endured by those who were guests in this dubious hotel. |
| In Chillicothe, Texas, a calaboose sits facing an alley way. Beyond the alley used to sit a bank, but all that's left of that is the vault. |
| By most standards, Chillicothe is a small town, but it has always been a center for trade in the far western reaches of North Texas. That explains why its calaboose had several jail cells - it must have held a number of visitors. |
| The calaboose in Pilot Point, Texas sports adobe and a heavy iron door. It's also right next to the downtown water tower. |
| My favorite calaboose by far sits a block off of OK 34 in Leedey. This well preserved jail looks like it's still in use, too... because it has the facilities to keep over-night guests! |
| Reader Jean Cooper sent this great photo of a calaboose in the mud: "I seen your website and thought you might like this photo. This one room jail sits in Reyno, Arkansas in Randolph County. I am researching it right now but it appears to have been in use from about 1910 to the 1940's. There is also a similar one about 10 miles from there at Success, AR and another about 10 miles from there in Maynard, Arkansas." Jean Cooper, Jonesboro, Arkansas. Thanks, Jean! |
| The recreated calaboose in Council Grove, Kansas sits in a small historical park near the KATY depot. The jail was used from the 1840s until the 1870s, and was made of wood, probably found around the grove of trees that served as a landmark in the treeless expanse of the Flint Hills. Council Grove is a wonderful town that served as the most-western stop along the Santa Fe trail. |
| Tammie Rudman and her daughter sent this photo of a strange looking calaboose in Waxahachie that was built before 1890. It served as the city jail, with the county jail a few blocks away. Thanks, Tammie! |
| The calaboose in Leonard, Texas kept inmates safe and in relative comfort (note the toilet above) from 1930 until the 1960s. I like the little overhang over the door - that's a nice and cozy touch! |
| Trenton, Texas' calaboose is just downright scenic. |
| Archaeologist Bill Moore took a photo of this calaboose in Gause, Texas (near Bryan/College Station). Thanks, Bill! |
| Here's another find from Bill Moore, who discovered this beauty in Williamson county, Texas. Love the cross hatching on the windows! |