Hidden in Plain Sight: Cameron’s Calaboose

Have you ever passed by the small red building across from the Milam County Historic Jail and wondered what it was? Its name and exterior resemble a train caboose of years past, and many people mistake it for an old rail house or storage shed. But take a closer look, and you’ll discover that this unassuming structure has a much more colorful past. Over a century ago, it was Cameron’s version of an overnight jail—though its guests didn’t check in by choice.

Known as the calaboose, this tiny structure was built in 1892 and served as a temporary holding cell for those who found themselves in trouble.

It was the place where Saturday night fist fighters, rowdy drunks, and occasional lawbreakers—charged with theft, counterfeiting, or even fortune-telling without a license—were held overnight.

Think of it as a no-frills motel where guests stayed until they could sober up or be transported to the county jail.

The calaboose was constructed by the firm Westmoreland & Mullinax for just $262.50, a small price for a building that would house the town's unruly for many years. Measuring 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 12 feet high, this modest wooden structure was made of stacked 2x4 timbers, creating thick, durable walls. With two cells, each equipped with a door and a window reinforced by iron bars and wooden shutters, it offered a secure place for short-term confinement.

Though it was no five-star facility, the calaboose was essential for keeping peace in early Cameron. While serious offenders were sent to the county jail, this small building held locals who had gotten a little too rowdy on a Saturday night. Whether it was for a quick nap or to cool off after a fight, the calaboose served its purpose in the community for many years.

Renovated in 1956 and moved to its current location in 1997, the calaboose still stands today as a fascinating piece of Cameron’s history. It may not look like much, but it’s a tangible reminder of a time when law enforcement was simpler and life in rural Texas moved at a slower pace. Hidden in plain sight, this relic continues to remind us of the stories and characters that shaped our past.

Next time you pass the calaboose, take a moment to imagine the stories its walls could tell. This small but mighty structure has witnessed history in the making, and it's just waiting for you to discover it!