Explore the Historic Llano Red Top Jail
Discover the rich history of the Llano Red Top Jail today!
About The Red Top Jail
A Llano Landmark
Visible from the historic Inks Bridge spanning the Llano River, the Llano Red Top Jail is an imposing Romanesque Revival structure. During the iron ore boom town era of the 1890's, the Red Top with its 4-story gallows tower became a constant reminder to outlaws that they should keep their guns at home.
History of the Red Top Jail
The jail has virtually not been altered since it was built in 1895. It was used as a jail until 1982. Graffiti dating back to 1918 has been found.
In 1895, the County Commissioners’ Court approved the J. Pauly Co. bid of $11,500 to build the new jail. Metal bars were shipped from the Pauly plant in St. Louis, Mo. to the Llano railyard depot. These prefab parts were transported by mule from the depot across the Llano River. The parts were assembled on site into jail cells, metal doors, etc. Granite for the exterior of the jail was quarried locally. The entire jail was built in 8 months.
The structure is composed of hundreds of tons of stacked granite containing family living quarters, iron prison cells and a trapdoor for hangings, all capped by an iconic red roof and execution tower.
Come experience the raw feeling of being locked up in the 1890’s! The Llano Red Top Jail is actually the 4th jail in Llano. When the City of Llano became incorporated in 1892, one of the first orders of business was to condemn the county jail, which was built on the courthouse square and reeked of sewage.
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