History

The Grayson County Jail in Texas has a rich and complex history. The first jail in Grayson County was a log cabin built in 1846, just two years after the county was created. The cabin was located in the town of Sherman, which was the county seat. The jail was used to hold prisoners awaiting trial and those convicted of petty crimes.

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In 1853, the county built a new jail made of native limestone blocks. The new jail was larger and more secure than the log cabin, and it could hold up to 20 prisoners. The limestone jail was used for over 50 years, until it was replaced by a new jail in 1905.

The new jail was a three-story brick building, with a capacity of 75 prisoners. The jail was designed to be fireproof and escape-proof. The first floor of the jail housed the jailer's office, the kitchen and dining area, and the laundry. The second and third floors housed the cells. The cells were small and dark, with no windows.

In 1955, the jail was remodeled to add a new wing. The wing added 50 beds to the jail, bringing the total capacity to 125 prisoners. The jail was also remodeled to add a new infirmary and a recreation area.

In 1969, the jail was again remodeled to add a new kitchen and a new laundry. The jail was also remodeled to add a new security system.

In 1975, the jail was closed due to overcrowding. The jail was reopened in 1977 after the county built a new jail addition. The addition added 100 beds to the jail, bringing the total capacity to 225 prisoners.

In 1990, the jail was again remodeled to add a new medical clinic and a new library. The jail was also remodeled to add a new security system.

In 2000, the jail was again remodeled to add a new chapel and a new recreation area. The jail was also remodeled to add a new security system.

In 2010, the jail was again remodeled to add a new kitchen and a new laundry. The jail was also remodeled to add a new security system.

Current Jail

The current Grayson County Jail is a three-story brick building with a capacity of 300 prisoners. The jail is located in the town of Sherman, which is the county seat. The jail is staffed by a team of correctional officers and other professionals who are responsible for the safety and security of the prisoners.

The Grayson County Jail provides a variety of services to its inmates, including medical care, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment. The jail also offers a number of educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for life after release.

Notable Inmates

The Grayson County Jail has housed a number of notable inmates over the years, including:

• Bonnie Parker: Bonnie Parker was one half of the infamous criminal duo Bonnie and Clyde. She was arrested in Grayson County in 1933 and held in the jail for several months.
• Clyde Barrow: Clyde Barrow was the other half of the criminal duo Bonnie and Clyde. He was arrested in Grayson County in 1933 and held in the jail for several months.
• Lee Harvey Oswald: Lee Harvey Oswald was the assassin of President John F. Kennedy. He was arrested in Dallas County in 1963 and held in the Grayson County Jail for several days before being transferred to Dallas County.
• Jack Ruby: Jack Ruby was the nightclub owner who shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald. He was arrested in Dallas County in 1963 and held in the Grayson County Jail for several months.
• Timothy McVeigh: Timothy McVeigh was the Oklahoma City bomber. He was arrested in Oklahoma County in 1995 and held in the Grayson County Jail for several months.

Controversies

The Grayson County Jail has been the subject of a number of controversies over the years, including:

• Overcrowding: The jail has been overcrowded for many years. In 2010, the jail was operating at 150% of its capacity. This has led to a number of problems, including inadequate medical care, poor sanitation, and increased violence.
• Violence: The jail has a history of violence. In 2010, there were 103 assaults on staff members and 143 assaults on inmates. This is more than twice the national average.
• Deaths: There have been a number of deaths in the jail over the years. In 2010, there were three deaths in the jail. This is more than twice the national average.
• Use of force: The jail has been criticized for its use of force against inmates. In 2010, there were 104 incidents where force was used against inmates. This is more than three times the national average.

The Grayson County Jail is a troubled institution with a long history of problems. The jail is overcrowded, violent, and dangerous. The jail has been the subject of a number of lawsuits and investigations. The jail is in need of major reforms.