GEORGETOWN, Texas — The historic Williamson County jail will open its doors Friday to the public as part of the annual Nightmare on Jail Hill.
Community members will have the opportunity to walk through the hallways and jail cells of the building that housed inmates between 1889 and 1990, including Henry Lee Lucas, infamously known as the "Confession Killer."
Nightmare on Jail Hill is celebrating its 10th year running. It is put on by the Williamson County Sheriff's Office along with help from partnering agencies and community groups.
Colby Hughey is an evidence technician for the sheriff's office, and works alongside her family to help put on the haunted jail house each year.
"A couple of our guys they were like, you know this sounds like this could be something fun, and a big fundraiser opportunity for us, and, hey, people like to be scared" said Hughey. "We have an amazing place to be able to do a haunted house, and a haunted jail for that matter."
Ticket sales for Nightmare on Jail Hill go toward one of Williamson County's largest fundraisers, Brown Santa, which helps to ensure that local children in need get the Christmas they deserve through donations of toys, books and other supplies.
"When you see the faces of the families you get to help, the look on their face, the parents, when they know that their kids are going to be provided for, they'll be taken care of," said Hughey. "It's fun, it's an amazing experience."
Nightmare on Jail Hill will be open Fridays and Saturdays: Oct. 12 through Oct. 13 and Oct. 19 through Oct. 20, and will run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. each night.
Tickets are available at the door at the following prices:
- Children 8 to 12: $5 (children under 8 are not allowed)
- 12 and up: $15
- Fast passes are also available for $25
The jail is located at 312 Main Street in Georgetown.
The jail is not handicap accessible. There are portions of the jailhouse that do feature flashing lights and spaces in which vision may be limited. For personal safety, you are encouraged to take your health conditions into consideration ahead of entering the jailhouse.
Questions? Send an email to wchauntedjail@outlook.com.