Crystal City

This very tiny cage was brought to La Pryor from Crystal City.  It measures a mere 79″ x 79″ (42.25 square feet) and is the smallest one documented during this study.  It is also not very tall at 5′ 4″.  The two metal beds at the rear measure 28″ x 6′ 25″.  The sides, back, and top consist of solid plates of steel.  It is assumed to be privately owned.  Overall, the condition is very good except for the rust.  There is no floor and it is not known if this is how it was originally constructed.   Other than the small size, the most unusual feature is the twisted vertical bars at the top of the door and wall.  The horizontal bars are also twisted but not as pronounced.

 

Interior View

 Detail of Bars

La Pryor

Front

This metal cage is located in a small park in La Pryor, Texas.  It has been completely sandblasted and painted.  It was measured at 13′ 2″ across the front and 8.25′ on each side (104 square feet).  The two doors are equal in size at 2′ wide and 5.59″ tall.  There are no formal windows.  Light and ventilation was provided by the doors and rear walls that were made of strap iron in a criss cross pattern.  Each cell had four metal beds, two on each wall.  At the time of my visit, only three remained.  The frames for the mattresses (if provided) measure 6′ long and 27″ wide.  The two doors were opened and closed by a massive locking mechanism that is still functional.

Corner 

Back

B

Locking Mechanism

Interior