1891 Jail Structure
Designed by J. N. Carnes and completed in 1891, this structure served as the Panola County Jail for sixty-two years. The two-story brick building exhibits Italianate and Romanesque style influences and features a symmetrical facade with projecting tower, arched openings, and corbelled detailing.
It was used as a city jail from 1953 to 1965. The old jail remained vacant until the Panola County Historical and Genealogical Association took it over in the 1988. A restoration project converted it to a community museum and historical center.
Pchga Beginning
The Panola County Historical & Genealogical Association (PCHGA) was founded by ordinary people in the community who had an interest in family and local history and who wanted to preserve our heritage. So, they met and formed PCHGA to serve those ends.
The charter members were all volunteers, so they asked Panola County to give them a long-term lease on the old 1891 Panola County jail which was no longer in use. The jail use was discontinued in 1954 and the old jail had fallen into a state of disrepair. These charter members not only raised money from others, but also donated their own time and money, and ultimately rebuilt a structure that would house history, family books and artifacts in a stable, controlled environment.
(by Dr. Vigil M. Holland)
Texas Antiquities Landmark
State Antiquities Landmarks (SALs) are designated by the Texas Historical Commission and receive legal protection under the Antiquities Code of Texas. The Code defines all cultural resources on non-federal public lands in the State of Texas as eligible to be designated as SALs. Historic buildings and other aboveground historic resources must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places before they can be designated as SALS.
PCHGA proudly displays our Medallion on the front of the Old 1891 Jail building, which houses the 1891 Jail and Museum and our Genealogical Library.
Texas Histoical Commission official Medallion
State Antiquities Landmarks (SALS) are designated by the Texas Historical Commission and receive legal protection under the Antiquities Code of Texas. The Code defines all cultural resources on non-federal public lands in the State of Texas as eligible to be designated as SALs. Historic buildings and other aboveground historic resources must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places before they can be designated as SALS.
PCHGA proudly displays our Medallion on the front of the Old 1891 Jail building, which houses the 1891 Jail and Museum and Genealogical Library.
a proud part of PCHGA
Panola County TX Veterans Memorial
Panola County TX Veterans Memorial
Panola County TX Veterans Memorial
The Memorial honors the men and women who served our country and their commitment, and it reinforces our responsibility to preserve what they died for. The Memorial is a part of PCHGA and is located on the north side of the 1891 Jail & Museum.
Panola County TX Veterans Museum
Panola County TX Veterans Memorial
Panola County TX Veterans Memorial
Panola County Veterans Service Officer William Morris established the exhibit because he was inspired to pay tribute to those who served their country. The Museum building, owned by PCHGA, is located on the south side of the 1891 Jail & Museum.
"BATS" - Now Officially The Leila Belle LaGrone Annex
The Leila Belle LaGrone Annex
The Building Across the Street ("BATS"), now renamed as The Leila Belle LaGrone Annex, was purchased in the late 1980's and has served as a place of storage until recently. Currently, it is used for meetings, special events, and is being repurposed as our genealogy library annex in order to accomodate our growth and outreach.
The Leila Belle LaGrone Annex
The Leila Belle LaGrone Annex is undergoing interior facelift as it transforms into the Library Annex. We may be a small community, but our genealogy collection is BIG! We have a heart to serve!