Ellis County Jail (1929 - 2009)
Though a valiant effort was made by Historic Waxahachie, Inc. and other concerned citizens, the jail was razed earlier this year (2009) to make way for the new County Courthouses. Backed by the Texas Historical Commission, many ideas were suggested on how to utilize the old jailhouse which featured mission-style architecture. But ultimately the new parking garage won-out over the efforts to save her. The three-story facility included living quarters for the county sheriff on the first floor and jail cells on the second and third. It operated as a jail until 1989, and no prisoners ever escaped, according to a 2003 study funded in part by the county and Historic Waxahachie Inc.Waxahachie Cotton Mills (1899 - 2009)
As with the 1928 jail, a grass-roots effort was put forth to save the mill. The historic importance stemmed from its founding by local prominent citizens, headed by an eleven-year mayor and Civil War veteran, Edwin DuBose. Of particular note was the Cotton Mill’s role in producing the majority of canvas (single file ducking) for the World War I effort. The mill was extremely successful; it brought millions of dollars to the community until its’ closing in the 1930.
In 2002 the results of the Waxahachie Master Plan research stressed heritage tourism as the key to the city’s economic success. Visionaries in Community Preservation selected the Cotton Mill as the site most critical to the preservation plan. They said, “The site should become a vital active component of the community and should establish a link between the downtown and residential areas.” They suggested two future uses for the site—multi family or mixed business/commercial development.
However, environmental concerns from groundwater contamination and a lack of interested parties lead to its ultimate demise in 2009.