Dessau

View of Front and Side

Darryl Pearsons tracked down this metal jail after my unsuccessful attempt.  This is one of the more interesting ones in several ways.  First, there is a bullet hole in the left front panel. Based on the direction of the bullet hole it is obvious that the firearm was discharged from inside.  Second, the original lock has been preserved. it is privately owned. The age and original location are not known but it is alleged that it was the original jail for the town of Dessau in the 1800s.  Supposedly, it was placed on a wagon for transport when a prisoner needed to be taken to the state prison in Huntsville.  After it was no longer used as the town’s jail, it was moved to a local dance hall named Dessau Hall where it was used to house rowdy patrons.  About eighteen inches were cut from the bottom but the reason for this was not explained.  A friend of the owner allowed Darryl to photograph the lock and historic photo.  The date and location of the jail at the time the photo was taken is not known.

The holes for light and ventilation were punched or stamped from a solid piece of metal.  Other cages of similar construction are found in Asherton, Athens, Dessau, La Plata, Leakey, Lockhart, and Teague. This cage measures 6.5 feet across the front and 10.5 feet on each side (68.25 square feet). It is 6 feet and 3 inches tall.  The door is narrow at only 19 inches and 6 feet tall. structure.

Original Lock

Rear View

Front View with Bullet Hole

Closeup of Bullet Hole

Historic Photo