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The Historic “Red Top Jail” is located along the south bank of the Llano
River, one block east of Ford Street (State Highway 16 & 71) in Llano, Texas.
The Pauly Jail Building and Manufacturing Company of St. Louis, Missouri,
erected this building, known as the “Red Top Jail.” The yearlong
construction was completed in December of 1895 at the cost of $11,500.
The gray granite for the exterior was quarried in the county. The red roof of
the Romanesque revival jail provided the building its nickname, and
prisoners often spoke of staying over at the “Red Top.”
The jailer used the first floor for an office and living quarters. The second
floor had four cells and two drunk tanks. The fourth and fifth floors housed
the gallows. The “Red Top Jail” is entered into the National Register of
Historic Places, is a Texas Historic Landmark and located in Llano’s Main
Street Historic District.
The County’s prisoners were housed in the building until the late 1970s. It
has been used as a museum by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and
for Head Start’s pre-school program.
The City of Llano now manages the old jail. Plans are being made to restore
the building. Call 325-247-4158 for tour information ask for the Main Street
office.
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