The Calaboose

Constructed as the first Hays County Jail in 1873, this small brick structure was later an annex for black prisoners. Known locally as the "Calaboose," it became a neighborhood recreation center after the city of San Marcos acquired it in 1885. In the 1940s it was enlarged with a wooden addition and served as a U.S.O. center for black World War II servicemen. In later years, the Calaboose again became a community recreation center. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1990