Archer County Museum & Arts Center

With the help of our generous community, we have completed the first phase of saving the 1910 Archer County Jail! Way to go, y'all!

Now that the walls are tied into the building and won't be going anywhere, we are shifting focus to keeping the interior dry and secure by restoring the roof, windows, and doors. 

Why is this old "pile of rocks" important? It gives a glimpse into the past and can help visually illustrate these stories and how times have changed. Did you know that back in the early 20th century, a sheriff or deputy, along with their family, would live on the first floor of the jail with inmates on the top two floors? Or that it was common for jails built in this time period to order jail cell kits out of a sears and roebuck style catalog?

We are fortunate enough to have the jail logs from when the building was operational between 1910 and 1974. We have started collecting oral histories and photos of those who lived, worked, or were imprisoned here. While yes these stories can be told without this building, it is incredibly more impactful to learn about an individual, touch the cot they slept in, and see their name carved into the stone walls. 

We have the unique opportunity to preserve this building to give this experience to future generations. Any little bit helps!