Some 18 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 … [Read more...] about Courthouse Trails
Monuments of Justice
Marion County Courthouse – Jefferson
Marion County celebrated the reopening of its 1913 Historic Courthouse on May 22 in Jefferson after a three-year restoration project. The $5.7 million endeavor was a part of the Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program. Komatsu Architecture served as the architect, and JR Jones Construction was the project’s … [Read more...] about Marion County Courthouse – Jefferson
Lipscomb County Courthouse – Lipscomb
The people of Lipscomb County can be a determined, persistent lot. When they decided to restore their courthouse in 1999, they did not realize it would take 22 years; however, they never gave up. Lipscomb County celebrated the rededication of the Historic Courthouse on Sept. 11. After the Texas Historical Commission (THC) accepted their Historic … [Read more...] about Lipscomb County Courthouse – Lipscomb
Monuments of Justice: Wood County Courthouse
County Seat: Quitman * County Population: 46,291 (2020 Census Estimate)
The Texas Legislature created Wood County in 1850 with Quitman as the county seat. The county first used a log courthouse on the south side of the square before building a two-story, frame structure, which burned in 1878. According to the courthouse historical marker, the county’s third courthouse, designed by the noted F.E. Ruffini, was completed in … [Read more...] about Monuments of Justice: Wood County Courthouse
Monuments of Justice: McCulloch County Courthouse
County: McCulloch County Seat: Brady * County Population: 7,984 (2019 Census Estimate)
On Sept. 29, 1899, the local Masonic Lodge laid the cornerstone of the current McCulloch County Courthouse, and by May of 1900 the new courthouse was move-in ready. Designed in the Romanesque Revival style, the McCulloch County capitol features flanking turrets, rusticated native sandstone walls, and a pressed metal clock tower. Interestingly, no clocks were ever … [Read more...] about Monuments of Justice: McCulloch County Courthouse