The State Prison Farms operated in Brazoria County represent a long-standing, unique undertaking in the area. The 1845 Constitution of the State of Texas states in Section 14, “the Legislature shall provide for a change of venue in civil and criminal cases; and for the erection of a Penitentiary at as early a day as practicable…” Later, the Second Legislature passed "An Act to Establish a State Penitentiary” in 1848, which laid the foundation for the creation of and site selection for the Texas Penitentiary System. Remnants of Brazoria County plantations were purchased and converted into the agricultural-based prison facilities, which housed not only inmates but also provided homes for family members of prison officials. The Prison Farms located within Brazoria County came under complete control of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in the early twentieth century.
"Nicknames"
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