Chambers County was carved out of Jefferson and Liberty counties and named in honor of Thomas Jefferson Chambers, the first and only superior judge of Texas before the revolution. The county held its first court session underneath a peach tree in Wallisville, the initial county seat. Commissioners Court moved inside when a frame building was erected in 1859. The structure … [Read more...] about Chambers County Courthouse
Monuments of Justice
Winkler County Courthouse
Winkler County’s first courthouse eventually became Kermit’s first church. The gray, black-roofed building stood for 19 years before being moved to the edge of the town square to make way for the new courthouse. The original county capitol was eventually sold for $1, relocated, and converted to a house of worship. The second and final temple of justice was fashioned of brick … [Read more...] about Winkler County Courthouse
Wilbarger County Courthouse
Boasting a Classical Revival style, the Wilbarger County Courthouse was designed by Voelcker and Dixon and completed in 1928. The county passed a $375,000 bond issue in support of the courthouse, which was built of steel, concrete, and stone. The county’s first official home was erected in 1883 for $2,400. The frame courthouse with a two-story porch was replaced in 1890 by a … [Read more...] about Wilbarger County Courthouse
Moore County Courthouse
Moore County has been home to two courthouses, the first of which sold for a mere $175. J.B. Girand was paid $20 to design the first temple of justice, a two-story frame building that cost $5,083. Completed in 1893, the Moore County Courthouse was outgrown by 1930. Amarillo architects Berry and Hatch designed the second county capitol, a three-story, Moderne brick structure … [Read more...] about Moore County Courthouse
Courthouse Trails
Deaf Smith County
Some 21 years ago, County Progress Magazine launched a series dedicated to the restoration and renovation of our county capitols. Titled “Courthouse Trails,” this special section recaps the efforts of counties across the Lone Star State who have taken special measures to restore their capitols to their original splendor and/or launch comprehensive renovation projects to ensure … [Read more...] about Courthouse Trails