CENTER, Texas (KTRE) - A historic jail building in Shelby County received a state historical marker Saturday, capping what organizers said was a years-long effort to secure the recognition.
Community members gathered at Center’s Courthouse Square to unveil the marker for the 1886 jail building, which now serves as the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.
The event coincided with Shelby County’s Stars and Stripes Day and the nation’s 250th birthday.
Laura Harris, the retired marker chair for the Shelby County Historical Commission says preserving history like their old jail is important.
“When you tear down these old buildings instead of trying to bring them back to life, you lose part of your history,” Harris said.
John Joseph Emmett Gibson constructed the 1886 jail building alongside the county courthouse.
She says it’s preservation, is a testament to how much their community cares about upholding history.
“Every brick was built here. And the detail on the building, the way he laid the bricks and everything, it’s not a plain building,” Harris said.
Harris said the two buildings are the only surviving structures Gibson built, adding to the significance of Saturday’s event.
Harris said she hopes the new marker encourages people to take a closer look at the history around them.
“People walk by those historical markers every day and never even glanced at them, but you need to take a minute and look at them. See what happened there. It’s interesting,” Harris said.
She also reflected on the broader importance of preserving local history.
In Shelby County, they have written records still from the original jail in courthouse from the 1800s.
“If you don’t understand where you came from, you don’t know where you’re going. Our country is what it is because we had brave men and women who fought for it and built this country,” Harris said.
Those interested in learning more about Shelby County’s history can visit the courthouse building during business hours or schedule a tour at this link.