Floresville: Jailhouse Museum

Floresville: Jailhouse Museum

  • <p>Jailhouse Museum</p> <p>Two storey building with floor-to-ceiling windows and a sign saying Museum</p>
  • <p>At the Floresville Opry (Wilson County Historical Society)</p> <p>Band playing music on stage with sign saying Floresville Opry</p>
  • <p>Floresville depot, 1906 (Wilson County Historical Society)</p> <p>Group of men posing for a picture with carts of produce in front of the Floresville train depot</p>
  • <p>Downtown Floresville, 1906 (Wilson County Historical Society)</p> <p>Photo dated 1906 of commercial buildings and a plaza with trees and walking paths</p>

From the days of the Spanish missions until today, rich grasslands have made Wilson County prime real estate for grazing cattle. Floresville’s famous John Oatman Dewees, who with partner James S. Ellison moved 400,000 cattle up the Chisholm Trail between 1869 and 1877. As the county grew, the need for a new, larger jailhouse grew as well. In 1877, a jailhouse was constructed out of stone and would house prisoners for the next century. Today, the Wilson County Historical Society operates a museum in the jailhouse. The legacy of the Chisholm Trail, however, is perhaps best seen – and heard – at the Floresville Opry, where Country Western bands keep alive the old cowboy songs and ballads. Proceeds from monthly shows support the Wilson County Historical Society.

Jailhouse Museum

  • Hours: First Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and during special events
  • Admission: None
  • 1420 3rd St., Floresville, TX
  • Visit Website
  • National Register of Historic Places

Floresville Opry

  • Check website for monthly event dates and times
  • Wilson County Show Barn, 435 St. Hwy 97 East
  • Visit Website