Grapevine Calaboose

About Grapevine Calaboose

Grapevine Calaboose is a historic jail structure built in 1909 from reinforced concrete using the poured-in-place method. The small building measures eight feet wide by ten feet long and eight feet tall, featuring a cast iron door and barred windows on each side. Originally constructed near the site of the current water tower, the calaboose served as a temporary holding facility for prisoners, often housing them overnight only. City Marshal W. T. Bigbee oversaw its construction after Mayor B. R. Wall deeded the land. The jail operated until the early 1950s under various nightwatchmen including F. F. Tillery and D. W. Kerr. In 1994, the calaboose was relocated to its current position at the southwest corner of West Franklin and South Main streets in downtown Grapevine, where it was restored and remains on display. Students visiting during Main Street walks frequently explore this local landmark.