The Milam County Jail: A Fortress of Justice and a Playground for Escape Artists
For nearly 80 years, the Milam County Jail stood as an unshakable symbol of law and order in Cameron. But for those locked behind its iron bars, it was more than just a prison—it was a puzzle waiting to be solved. Built to be one of the most secure jails in Texas, it still became the setting for some of the most daring (and often comical) escape attempts in the region’s history.
A New Era of Security
By the 1890s, the old 1875 Milam County Jailhouse was overcrowded and no longer fit to hold the growing number of prisoners. County officials knew they needed a larger, more secure facility, and in 1895, they awarded the construction contract to the Pauly Jail Building & Manufacturing Company of St. Louis, Missouri.
Designed in the Romanesque Revival style, the new jail featured 18-inch-thick brick walls, iron-barred windows, and a three-story cell block. St. Louis pressed bricks were used for construction, much to the dismay of County Judge Sam Streetman, who preferred local materials. Perhaps the most infamous feature of the jail was its “hanging tower,” complete with a trapdoor meant for executions. However, no hangings ever took place inside the jail, as public executions remained the custom at the time.
The first floor of the jailhouse served a dual purpose: it housed the sheriff and his family, a common practice in the 19th century. Meanwhile, prisoners were held in cell blocks on the second and third floors, constantly testing the limits of their confinement.
Escape Attempts Gone Wrong
Despite being built as one of the most secure jails in Texas, escape attempts were frequent—and often doomed to fail.
One particularly bold prisoner managed to squeeze through a loose second-floor window, shimmy down a drainpipe, and make a run for it. But before he could taste freedom, he tripped and fell—only to be met by the sheriff’s wife, standing in her nightgown and slippers, wielding a shotgun.
Another inmate took a different approach, crafting a makeshift rope out of blankets. As he rappelled down the jail’s exterior, his plan seemed to be working—until he lost his grip and landed face-first on a chinaberry tree stump below.
Perhaps the most audacious attempt came from a group of prisoners who dug a hole through the 18-inch-thick brick wall, believing they had finally outsmarted their captors. Unfortunately for them, their efforts didn’t go unnoticed. As they emerged, expecting to escape into the night, they were met face-to-face with the sheriff, shotgun in hand, ordering them to climb right back in.
A Historic Landmark
For nearly eight decades, the Milam County Jail housed outlaws, drunks, and thieves, each with a story to tell. But in 1975, a new jail was built, and the Commissioners Court turned the facility over to the Milam County Historical Commission. After extensive renovations, the building was transformed into a museum in 1978, preserving its rich and often bizarre history.
Step Inside and Experience the History
Today, the Milam County Historical Jail stands as a testament to Texas law enforcement and the outlaws who tried—and failed—to outwit it. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the echoes of the past, where justice was swift, and escape attempts were often met with humiliating failure.
Whether you're a history buff, a true crime enthusiast, or just someone looking for a fascinating place to visit, this historic jail is a must-see in Cameron, Texas. Take a step back in time, walk through the very cells that once housed notorious criminals, and imagine a time when the clang of iron bars and the whispers of escape plans filled the air.
Visit the Milam County Historical Jail and uncover the stories that shaped Texas history!
