In 1854, four years after the county was organized, a two-story log structure was built on this site as the first Bell County jail. That log jail was replaced in 1873 by this native limestone building. In 1874, vigilantes from all parts of Texas raided the jail and executed nine men charged with murder, robbery, horse theft, and other crimes. This citizens' attack was regarded as a major factor in ending lawlessness in Bell County during the 1870s. The building was rented to the city of Belton in 1884 when the third county jail was completed, and it was later sold.