The Texas Prison Museum

If Huntsville, Texas is known for one thing, it is the prison system. In fact, the first prison in Texas, which opened in 1849, was built in Huntsville. The reason the first prison, “The Huntsville Unit” (now more commonly known as the Walls), was established in Huntsville is largely due to Sam Houston. Houston resided in the town and, with his influence, he was able to create a new prison system.

Five prison units are located inside the Huntsville city limits, and an additional five within a thirty-mile radius. In order to teach residents and visitors more about the prisons in Huntsville, The Texas Prison Museum was opened in 1989. The museum showcases the history of the prison and many artifacts. Visitors can also find artisan goods made by inmates (such as leather wallets, belt buckles, and wooden wall plaques) in the gift shop.

Before starting the museum tour, visitors can watch a five-minute video overview of what to expect from the museum. The benches in the room are the same benches from the Walls Prison Unit. In this room, you can also learn more information concerning types of crime and the demographics of prisoners housed in Huntsville units.

Leaving the room, there is a miniature replica display of the original prison as seen from a bird’s eye view. This will allow you to gain a sense of the size of the prison compared to buildings around it and to also see the inside. On the wall surrounding this display are plaques detailing how rough the prison system in Huntsville was in the early 1900s due to overcrowding. That was until General Manager Lee Simmons made positive changes. One such change was when he created the Texas Prison Rodeo in 1931.

A section on the Texas Prison Rodeo shows how the rodeo helped bring in money for the prison. The rodeo grew so large it attracted many celebrities including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton. The rodeo eventually ended in 1986 when there was not enough money to repair the stadium facility.

Simmons’ family has donated some artifacts from his time at the prison, including an album of pictures, to the museum.

Many famous and infamous prisoners have entered the Texas prison system throughout its long history. Displays relate stories about some of these prisoners, telling of the crimes they committed. Some of these prisoners include David Crosby, Jack Purvis, and Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman. One of the most infamous is Bonnie and Clyde. You can learn how Simmons eventually brought them down. Many artifacts from Bonnie and Clyde are showcased around the museum, including a pistol found in their car.

One important exhibit for visitors to see is about the rehabilitation of prisoners. Visitors can watch a video about how dogs have helped rehabilitate some of the offenders. You can also read more on how offenders can take college classes to learn how to become productive members of society when they are released. This is one of only a few exhibits concerning the present state of the prisons.

One artifact that attracts many people from around the state is the famous execution chair, ‘Ol’ Sparky,’ which rests at the center of the museum. The electric chair was used in Texas between 1923 and 1964. Visitors can read more about the history and the 361 prisoners who met their fate in the chair.

Besides the execution chair, many other artifacts from the prisons are showcased throughout the museum. This includes weapons homemade from items smuggled into the prison. The evolution of prisoner uniforms and restraints, from balls and chain to modern handcuffs, are displayed. In one corner, there is wood furniture made from the prisoners such as bed frames, a baby crib, and vanities. License plates and paintings created from some of the prisoners hang on the walls.

Before prisoners on death row are executed, they are allowed to address their victim’s family and give a last statement. Some of these statements are presented for visitors to read, as well as comments from the victim’s family.

One of the last exhibits visitors will see is the ‘Great Escape.’ When Raymond Hamilton went to prison for the murder of a police officer, Bonnie and Clyde raided the Eastham prison to set him free. During this raid, a guard was shot and killed. This was when Simmons issued a shoot to kill order against Bonnie and

Clyde. Hamilton was eventually recaptured. When exiting the museum, visitors have a chance to climb to the top of a mock guard tower.

On the other side of Huntsville, off Bowers Boulevard, lies Captain Joe Byrd Cemetery, where over 3,000 inmates are buried. A small group of trusted prisoners maintain the cemetery. Visitors can learn more about some of the prisoners buried in the cemetery in the Franklin T. Wilson section in the museum. In 2011, he photographed each grave and studied the history of many of them.

Reese Butler Alpha Omega Academy

Favorite Movie: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Favorite Music/Artist: Lana Del Rey

Favorite Food: Fettuccini Alfredo

Favorite Quote: none given

Reese is a senior at Alpha Omega and is the daughter of Kelley Butler. Her activities include Interact and member of FBC Dodge Youth Group. Following graduation, Reese plans to attend Sam Houston State University.

Cameron Smith Alpha Omega Academy

Favorite Movie: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Favorite Music/Artist: Chris Stapleton

Favorite Food: Enchiladas

Favorite Quote: “The question isn’t, ‘What are we going to do?’ The question is, ‘What aren’t we going to do?’”

Cameron is a senior at Alpha Omega and is the daughter of Stacey Smith. Her activities include volleyball, softball, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, student council, National English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and 4-H Quilting Club. Following graduation, Cameron plans to attend college. She believes, “Always share your smile.”

Kendyle McClenon Trinity High School

Favorite Movie: King Kong

Favorite Music/Artist: Ariana Grande

Favorite Food: Chicken Alfredo

Favorite Quote: “It’s impossible to start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.”

Kendyle is a senior at Trinity High School and is the daughter of Fredrick and Chrishara McClenon. Her activities include choir and dance team. Following graduation, Kendyle plans to attend Sam Houston State University to study music. She will then pursue a career in music therapy and one day own her own dance studio. She believes, “You don’t have to understand everything.”

Kentavian McClenon Trinity High School

Favorite TV Show: Polar Express

Favorite Music/Artist: Juice World

Favorite Food: Pasta

Favorite Quote: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela

Kentavian is a senior at Trinity High School and is the son of Fredrick and Chrishara McClenon. His activities include football, track and field, and choir. Following graduation, Kentavian plans to attend Sam Houston State University to study computer engineering. He will then pursue a master’s and a job with a big tech company. His philosophy is, “The world is flat.”

Slow Cooker Irish Stew

Ingredients

1 Tbs olive oil, or to taste

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cubed

3 russet potatoes, diced

1 lb baby carrots

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 (16 oz) bottle stout beer, divided

1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

1 cup beef broth

1 Tbs garlic powder

1 Tbs onion powder

1 Tbs smoked paprika salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add beef; cook until evenly browned, 3 to 5 minutes per side.

Step 2: Place potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic in a slow cooker; top with browned beef.

Step 3: Pour 1/4 cup beer into the same skillet and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits of beef off of the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Stir in tomato paste; cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Pour beer mixture into slow cooker.

Step 4: Pour beef broth, remaining beer, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into slow cooker.

Step 5: Cook on Low for 8 hours. Stew can alternately be cooked on High until potatoes and carrots are easily pierced with a fork, 3 to 4 hours.

Reuben Casserole

Ingredients

6 slices rye bread, cubed

1 (16 oz) can sauerkraut, drained and rinsed

1 lb deli sliced corned beef, cut into strips

¾ cup Russian-style salad dressing cooking spray

2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9x13inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spray one sheet of aluminum foil with cooking spray.

Step 2: Spread bread cubes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer bread cubes with sauerkraut and beef strips, then pour dressing over top. Cover with the aluminum foil, sprayed-side down.

Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove and discard foil; sprinkle Swiss cheese over casserole. Continue baking until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 more minutes.

Cook’s Note:

Try cooking your own corned beef. A low, gentle simmer on the stove top or in the slow cooker are two excellent methods for cooking up soft, tender slices of corned beef every time.