The Leon County Courthouse & Jail have both architectural and historical significance. The courthouse & old jail are simple yet dignified expressions with Classical lines; the 1918 jail (seen in the photo above) displays Medieval military architectural elements. All are located on the Centerville public square which has been the center of governmental activities since the founding of the town.
Late in 1885, the courthouse at that time burned and a resolution was introduced to build a new courthouse on the same plan as the old. Several years later the county judge and four county commissioners determined to build a new jail. Facilities for the detention of criminals up to this time had never been satisfactory. The orders which had authorized a new jail in 1873 culminated in the purchase of a store building from V.H. McAnnally for $2,500. This served as a temporary jail which was entirely also unsatisfactory.
Finally in 1893, a contract for the construction of a new jail was awarded to contractors Robb and Wilson for $3,850 and shortly there after the old temporary jail was sold at public auction. Early in 1894 it was completed and a new fence was set up around the building. In 1906, new cells furnished by the Southern Structural Steel Company were installed, and various repairs were made. Since this jail still proved inadequate, a second jail was built near the courthouse and the earlier jail. In 1918, the Southern Structural Steel Company of San Antonio was contracted to build a new jail, according to plans they furnished. The building was completed and accepted that year. The style of the 1918 jail symbolized strength. Incorporated into the design are corner towers and crenellations — representations of Medieval military architectural features.
Although the building is no longer used for detention, it is still sound and serves county functions such as the office of the county surveyor and others. And, for its political & governmental history and its architecture, the jail (along with the county courthouse) were added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 12, 1977. All of the information above was found on the original documents that can be viewed here:
catalog.archives.gov/id/40972831
Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11
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