Synopsis
Built in 1891 from stone quarried in Motley County, the historic
jail with only 20 sheriffs since the county was organized, was
occupied by law enforcement until the early 1980s. The Texas Rangers
imposed Martial Law during the late 1800s to settle disputes between
the early-day ranchers and the new settlers. The first four sheriffs
(1891- 1894) of Motley County died with their boots on. The 2-story,
brown sandstone structure had living quarters for the jailer on the
first floor; and two, 4-men cells and hanging gallows on the second
floor. It is a recorded Texas Historic Landmark, currently in Phase
II renovation, funded by the Texas Historical Commission and private
donations.
The first four sheriffs of Motley County (1891-1894) died with their
boots on. Sheriff Joe Beckham turned outlaw, murdered his
predecessor, and was hunted down and killed by the Texas Rangers in
a gun battle at a dugout in Indian Territory in 1893. Thus began the
early-day violent history of this county when disputes were settled
by the Six Shooter; and law and order and crime and chaos were
sometimes one in the same.
