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Old Jail Art Center

201 S 2nd St, Albany, Texas 76430 USA

5 Reviews
Free
Free to Visit
Closed Now
Opens Fri 10a
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    Accepted
  • Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
  • Outdoor
    Seating
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“Go to Jail!”

The mission of the Old Jail Art Center is to be the primary cultural resource for the region, providing visual art, performing art, and local history resources for residents and visitors alike, and fostering memorable experiences for all. The Old Jail Art Center (OJAC) opened in 1980 with four small galleries, in the first permanent jail built in Shackelford County. The jail was designed and built by the civil architect John Thomas of Thomas and Woerner, Builders, Fort Worth. Construction began in 1877 and was finished the following year at the cost of more than $9,000, which outraged the local taxpayers. Scottish stonemasons carved their initials into the building's large limestone blocks, in order to ensure payment for work done once the fledgling county was solvent. You can easily see why the building was known for several decades as "the alphabet jail." The "M" and the "E" are known to be the initials of stone masons named McGuire and Emery, while the "X" and the triangle are thought to be the marks of illiterate stone masons. Considered very modern at the time of its construction, the jail was used for more than half a century until it was abandoned in 1929 in favor of the "new" jail one block to the west. Robert E. Nail, Princeton graduate, local author and playwright, most notably of the Fort Griffin Fandangle, saved the building from demolition in 1940 by purchasing it for $25. He bought the lot on which it sits for $325 a few months later. One of the few outstanding examples of 19th Century Classic Architecture still in existence, the old jail building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

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Photo of Donna S.

Reviewed by
Donna S.

Fantastic museum with friendly, knowledgeable staff housed in an incredible building! One of the best collections of art west of Ft. Worth, Texas. Read more

Photo of Paul L.

Reviewed by
Paul L.

Locals tell me that it's not unusual to see folks on horseback going through the drive-through lane at Dairy Queen. This small town has kept out intruders like Wal-Mart in order to maintain a... Read more

Photo of Doug B.

Reviewed by
Doug B.

This museum is a gem within the coolest little town. 2000 cool people live in Albany. Check it out. Read more

Old Jail Art Center

201 S 2nd St
Albany, Texas
76430 USA
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Hours

Closed Now
  • Sun: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Tue - Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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