Texas Prison Museum

Along Highway 45 in Huntsville is an odd museum of sorts, The Texas Prison Museum. Odd because when I think of prison, I think of the most despicable acts caused by the most appalling people. However this museum tells the tale not only of the history of the Texas prison system, but it also highlights the art and culture inside the walls.  There were definitely some surprises.

As you enter the museum, you can see art created by the prisoners prominently displayed.  Some of these pieces are quite intricate. You have to wonder what would have happened if these talented individuals had made different choices in life. Would they have gone on to become famous artisans instead? The craftsmanship of these items is outstanding.

In another area of the museum, the creativity of the inmates is displayed in a very different and less inspiring manner. In the midst of the display of the many guns and knives used by the wardens and by outlaws like Bonnie and Clyde are the homemade weapons produced by the prisoners themselves from wood, metal and paper. It’s a stark reminder that the same human ingenuity used to create beautiful art was used to create lethal weapons and life inside the walls was far from peaceful.

Walking toward the back of the museum, another interesting area emerges, the Texas Prison Rodeo. Those of you old enough to remember may recall the “Wildest Show Behind Bars” which was held every Sunday in October from 1931 to 1986. Country Western Stars such as Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, George Strait and Ernest Tubb played the venue. The crowds were very large, topping 100,000 at times, and the prisoners were very happy to participate and thrill the crowds.

Of course the story of the Texas prison system would be incomplete without a reminder of the harsh reality of prison life and the consequences of heinous crimes. There is a small section of the museum that displays an old electric chair used by the prison along with other reminders of why these people were imprisoned in the first place. A mock-up prison cell reveals the solemn life one would live if incarcerated in Texas.

Wrapping up our tour of the museum, Suzanne and I reflected on the highlights and lowlights of prison life. We feel sad for those who made the wrong choices and ended up in prison, yet we are glad people who do bad things to others get the punishment they deserve here in Texas. So, if you are in the Huntsville area someday and have a few hours to spare, check out The Texas Prison Museum and see Texas Thru My Back Door!