Historical Marker
Jail Square
Gonzales, Gonzales County · Texas
Erected 1966
The town that grew back around the squares was a busy county seat by the 1880s. Gonzales College opened in 1851 as the first college in Texas to award diplomas to women, and the Gonzales Inquirer began in 1853. Bypassed by the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio line in 1874, the town reached the railroad by a spur to Harwood, and the San Antonio and Aransas Pass arrived in 1885. In 1884 Gonzales had 2,900 people and a 500-seat opera house. Its 1887 jailhouse still stands and once housed the Chamber of Commerce.
What the plaque says
Jail Square First mapped in 1825 as "Market Square," but had become "Jail Square" prior to 1836 when Gonzales was burned by order of Gen. San Houston to prevent buildings and supplies falling into possession of oncoming enemy, Gen. Santa Anna. (1966)
Where it stands
29.50229, -97.45251 · Directions
More markers nearby
- Central Square — steps away
- James W. Robinson — steps away
- Andrew Ponton — steps away
- Battle of Gonzales — steps away