Random Picture of the Week #135: The Old Kent County Jail in Clairemont, Texas

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This week’s random image is of the old Kent County Jail in Clairemont, Texas that I took back in 2017 on a west Texas Road Trip with a photog buddy.

The Old Kent County Jail in Clairemont, Texas

The Old Kent County Jail in Clairemont, Texas is one two original buildings left in the ghost town and has abandoned for decades.

Shortly after Clairmont, Texas was selected as the Kent County County Seat and was built in 1885 with the red sandstone that matches the old courthouse. Like many old jails of the time the cells were made from strap-iron and the building may have been built around the jail cells. I haven’t found any information on the jail and will have to contact the historical society to learn more.

The cell is a strap-iron riveted cage that sits in the center of the room. Its 12 by 12 by 7 feet tall. Its been some time since visiting the location but, I remember that main cell door was welded shut. I guess for safety concerns. But there were several smaller cells that were accessible. All they had were small welded in bunk bed frames and that was it. The entire building had dirt floors.

I have no idea how long its been abandoned, but I read stories about people telling stories of playing in the jail as early the 1960s.

About the Image

The image was shot by hand late afternoon as the sun was fading. I used a Sony A6000 with a a Sony SEL16F28 16mm f/2.8 Wide-Angle Lens. The images was then edited using Adobe Lightroom to crop, straighten and clean up the image. I used Google NIK Collection (Now DXO NIK Collection) and Topaz Labs Clarity to help add detail, add contrast, and sharpen/remove noise. As always my images are for sale with or without the watermark in digital and prints. Please contact me via the contact page for more information.