Freestone County Historical Museum celebrated the unveiling of the new, accurate historical marker for the 1881 Freestone County Jail at a dedication ceremony held on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
Opening the celebration with the singing of God Bless America, was Don Thornton, son of the first museum curator.
Current museum curator, Patricia Pratt welcomed guests, followed by an invocation led by Mike McVey, pastor of FUMC of Fairfield.
The National Anthem was performed on saxophone by Andrew Weitner, pastor of New Life Church of Fairfield.
Mr. Thornton then performed God Bless the USA and Bring Back the Cross before William Shelton, chairman of Freestone Co. Historical Commission, gave the dedicatory address.
Shelton, with the assistance of Linda Mullen, president of the Freestone County Museum Board of Directors, unveiled the marker. She then did a reading of the marker.
“This building, which served as the third county jail, was built in 1881 on the site of the 1957 jail. Physical and archival evidence suggests that this two-story jail and its associated water well were built with brick from locally fired clay, recycled from the earlier jail. Exterior walls are 18 inches thick. The original design incorporated two prison cells and housing for the jailer. From 1914-66 the building housed a multi-family residence. Area citizens bought the property in 1966 to house a county historical museum. From 2012-21 the jail was restored to its 1880s appearance. Recorded Texas historical landmark – 1967”
Thornton closed the ceremony with a benediction and by singing Let Freedom Ring.
The 2024 Board Members are: Linda Mullen – President, Brad Pullin – Vice President, Leslie Tate – Treasurer, Gwen Rosser Moore – Secretary, and members Sherrie Minze, Muriel Morton, Don Awalt, and Diane Pullin.
Freestone County Historical Museum is located at 302 Main Street in Fairfield. Hours are Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit their website at www.freestonecomuseum.com.
(Photos by Natalia V. Marsters)
