Calaboose African American Museum

Letters, books, photographs and antique artifacts cover all aspects of African American life in early Texas, as visitors chart a rarely-told history of heroism in the Calaboose African American Museum.  “Calaboose” is an old word for the local jail, and, built in 1873 as San Marcos’ first jailhouse, this old building has many stories to tell.

In 1943, an extension was added to create a USO dance hall for black soldiers.  In 1954, it was again converted into a community center for Dunbar residents. And in 1990, it grew into one of our treasures, the Calaboose African American Museum.  Special exhibits include displays relating to the Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen, WWII Military, Civil Rights, Ku Klux Klan, and San Marcos area history.  

Currently housed in the Calaboose is a wealth of memorabilia from locally born jazz pioneer Eddie Durham.  Plans are in the works for a stand-alone Eddie Durham Museum, paying tribute to the dreams and achievements of one of San Marcos’ most accomplished native sons.

Saturday – 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Monday – Friday | Please call to arrange tours – 512.393.8421