Texas' Wonderful Courthouses

Presidio County Courthouse in
Marfa.  Restoration was part of the
THC's Courthouse Preservation Program

One of the most important programs at the Texas Historical Commission is their Courthouse Preservation Program.  With funding approved by the state legislature, the THC has provided valuable monetary and expert support to communities with historic courthouses.

"Texas has more historic courthouses that any other state. Today more than 235 courthouses still stand that are least 50 years old. About 80 were built before the turn of the 20th century. By the end of that century, most of these structures were significantly deteriorated due to inadequate maintenance, insensitive modifications or weather related damage. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) documented the condition of 50 of the state’s oldest courthouses in the late 1990s and determined that counties lacked the resources to preserve the buildings for future generations.

Providing assistance to counties reached a critical point when Texas county courthouses were added to the National Trust’s 11 Most Endangered Properties list in 1998. The state’s response was to create the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program, the largest preservation grant program ever initiated by a state government. This nationally recognized preservation program has turned around the trend of disrepair and begun the process of restoring the state’s most treasured historic landmarks.

In support of the projects completed with state grant funds, the THC also created the Texas Courthouse Stewardship Program. It provides education and training to county staff for future preservation needs.

For information about the program, please click here or contact the Texas Historical Commission, Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program staff at 512.463-6094."

Texas has more historic courthouses that any other state. Today more than 235 courthouses still stand that are least 50 years old. About 80 were built before the turn of the 20th century. By the end of that century, most of these structures were significantly deteriorated due to inadequate maintenance, insensitive modifications or weather related damage. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) documented the condition of 50 of the state’s oldest courthouses in the late 1990s and determined that counties lacked the resources to preserve the buildings for future generations.
Providing assistance to counties reached a critical point when Texas county courthouses were added to the National Trust’s 11 Most Endangered Properties list in 1998. The state’s response was to create the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program, the largest preservation grant program ever initiated by a state government. This nationally recognized preservation program has turned around the trend of disrepair and begun the process of restoring the state’s most treasured historic landmarks.
In support of the projects completed with state grant funds, the THC also created the Texas Courthouse Stewardship Program. It provides education and training to county staff for future preservation needs.
For information about the program, please click here or contact the Texas Historical Commission, Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program staff at 512.463-6094.
- See more at: http://www.thc.state.tx.us/preserve/projects-and-programs/texas-historic-courthouse-preservation#sthash.S1gZxrD2.dpuf

Culberson County's Loss--A look at the Old Courthouse

Culberson County Courthouse, Postcard, n.d.; digital image, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth14007/ : accessed March 20, 2014), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Clark Hotel Museum, Van Horn, Texas. 

 

The folks in Van Horn regret a decision made decades ago, the demolition of the Culberson County Courthouse for a new building.  Robert Morales, the publisher of the Van Horn Advocate has been reporting on the loss.  (See an excellent article here.)

(Click on the photo for a closer view!)
Frances Hurt Walker at Culberson County Courthouse, Photograph, n.d.; digital image, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth14104/ : accessed March 20, 2014), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Clark Hotel Museum, Van Horn, Texas. 

 

The courthouse was a center of the community and the location for many important events in the Van Horn area.

Centennial Pioneers Dance at Culberson County Courthouse, 1936, Photograph, 1936; digital image, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth14149/ : accessed March 20, 2014), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Clark Hotel Museum, Van Horn, Texas. 

Missing What is Now Gone, the Culberson County Courthouse

Culberson County Courthouse, Postcard, n.d.; digital image,
(http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth14007/),
University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History,
http://texashistory.unt.edu;
crediting Clark Hotel Museum, Van Horn, Texas.

Sometimes, perhaps often, a community regrets taking down a building for "progress."  Over and over in Van Horn, we hear such regret from the people of Van Horn about their Culberson County Courthouse.  It wasn't the first courthouse for the county; some feel the Clark Hotel Museum building was the original courthouse.  But it was the courthouse that stood from 1912 to the 1960s, when it was torn down to make way for the current building.

As is the case with many Texas courthouses, it was a center of activity for the community.  (Click on any of the images for a closer view.)

Centennial Pioneers Dance at Culberson County Courthouse, 1936,
Photograph, 1936; digital image, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth14149/),
University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History,
http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Clark Hotel Museum, Van Horn, Texas
Click on the photo for a closer view!

Order of the Rainbow for Girls, Photograph, n.d.;
digital image, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth14281/ ),
University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History,
http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Clark Hotel Museum, Van Horn, Texas.
. L to R, Rosetta O'Nan, Rose Chapel, Mrs. Grace Breed (Mother Adviser),
Linda Mitchell (Worthy Adviser), Minnie Henderson, Barbara Binkley

Frances Hurt Walker at Culberson County
Courthouse, Photograph, n.d.; digital image,
(http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth14104/),
University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History,
http://texashistory.unt.edu;
crediting Clark Hotel Museum, Van Horn, Texas.

Demolition of Courthouse, Photograph, 1967;
digital image, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth14017/ ),
University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History,
http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Clark Hotel Museum,
Van Horn, Texas.

5 Great Places to let your Kids Run Off Some Energy in the Texas Mountains. Then Step Inside and Learn!

When you're traveling, sometimes the kids just have SO MUCH ENERGY, and you want a safe place where they can RUN off some steam, right?

Try these:

County Courthouse Squares.  We've got some beauties....the Presidio County Courthouse in Marfa, the Jeff Davis County Courthouse in Fort Davis, and the Brewster County Courthouse in Alpine.  All have well-kept lawns, and locals enjoy them as family and dog-friendly places.   Step inside each of the courthouses and enjoy the architecture, and local history photos and displays.

1.  Presidio County Courthouse in Marfa

2.  Gazebo outside the Brewster County Courthouse
in Alpine

3.  Jeff Davis County Courthouse in Fort Davis

4. Parade Ground of Fort Davis National Historic Site.  The lawn here probably isn't watered as often as our courthouse squares, but there's LOTS of running space for the kids to enjoy.  And, there are shaded benches where tired parents can sit and rest.  When everyone's ready, the historic fort is a gem and the family will enjoy learning about military life in the 19th century. 

5.  The shaded campus of Sul Ross State University in Alpine, just outside the Museum of the Big Bend.  Let them run off some steam on campus, then head inside the museum for some great kid-friendly and interactive exhibits on the history of the entire Big Bend Region.

Fort Davis getting ready for the "Coolest July 4th!"

Red, white and blue bunting surrounds
the Jeff Davis County Courthouse square

Last night the Jeff Davis County Courthouse Square was quiet, but soon the festivities will begin!

Fort Davis, as many travelers know, is a great vacation destination as it retains its original character and small-town charm, while offering plenty to do.  Fort Davis was recognized in 2008 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a Dozen Distinctive Destination.

Thursday from 10 am to 12, check out Fort Davis National Historic Site's Junior Ranger Day with 1880's vintage baseball!  Click here to read more.

Thursday, July 4th
 - Vendors set up at High-Noon
 - 6:00pm Open Mike Jam Session:
               Local musicians doing their thing live on the Courthouse lawn
Friday, July 5th
 - Vendors open around the Courthouse all day
 - 8:00pm: Jeff Davis County Library
                "Tumbleweed Smith" One Man Show
 - Dark: The Great Fireworks Extravaganza at the County Park
Saturday, July 6th
 - Vendors open around the Courthouse all day
 - 10:00am   The Great Parade
 - 12:00noon The Great Gunfight
 - 9:00pm     Dance Under the Stars w/ Jody Nix & the Texas Cowboys
Sunday, July 7th
 - Vendors open around the Courthouse all day
 - Live music on the Courthouse Lawn

Click HERE for the full July 4th schedule!

December photos around the region!

Photos from around the region in December.....warm, cold, cozy, adventurous!

Magoffin Home Historic Site in El Paso

Run on Hwy 54 north of Van Horn

Santa at the Presidio County Courthouse, Marfa

South Rim, Big Bend National Park

Up to the TOP, a little Marfa Mini-Break

Eighty-six steps take you to the top of Marfa’s beautiful courthouse and a 360 degree view of the town and surrounding countryside.  In fact, this is one of our Top Ten 15-Minute Rest Breaks from the Road!

Built in 1886 by San Antonio architect Alfred Giles in the Second Empire style, the courthouse cost $60,000.  Designed of brick and stone quarried in Marfa, the exterior is of pink stucco with Lady Justice sitting atop the central dome.  The courthouse is one of the lucky ones to receive support by the Texas Historical Commission's Courthouse Preservation Program.

Next time you're in Marfa and looking for something fun to do, see if they courthouse is open and then start on your aerobic climb.  The view and a close-up view of one of the very finest county courthouses is your reward! 

Lost: Culberson County Courthouse

One thing Texas does VERY well is provide resources for the preservation of county courthouses.  The funds are limited, making the climate very competitive, but the folks at the Texas Historical Commission do their best at making the most of a limited budget.  Read about the courthouse restoration program here.

The program came too late for the folks in Culberson County.  This courthouse, long a community center as well as a governmental center, was razed in the 1960s for a more modern building.  Many a Van Horn resident today, wishes we could reverse the decision to take down the old courthouse.

Centennial Pioneers Dance at Culberson County Courthouse, 1936, Photograph, 1936; digital image, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth14149/ : accessed May 28, 2012), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Clark Hotel Museum, Van Horn, Texas. 

Click on the photos to get a closer view!

Beautiful Presidio County Courthouse at Dawn

In Marfa!

The Only Adobe Courthouse in Texas

The majestic entrance to the Hudspeth County Courthouse in Sierra Blanca
Photo:  Randy Mallory, THC

We are always encouraging travelers to get off the freeway and explore the sights of our mountain communities.  Today, we'd like folks to take a look at Sierra Blanca.   This little town has a one-of-a-kind courthouse...the only ADOBE courthouse in the state of Texas!

From the Texas Historical Commission website:

"This 1919 building is the only adobe courthouse in Texas. Architects Buetell and Hardie designed the building in a Mediterranean style reminiscent of Renaissance Revival. Exterior work included installing new piers for structural reinforcing of the foundation to support the 18-inch adobe walls. A new metal shingle roof was installed and exterior stucco removed and replaced. Upgrades to mechanical, electrical and plumbing, as well as installation of an elevator and fully accessible bathrooms were incorporated. Work began in late 2002 and was completed by April 2004."

You can see photos of the restoration here and  here.
:You can read more about Hudspeth County here.

Yesterday's Celebration, Brewster County's 125th Anniversary!

Local Boy Scouts salute the colors

Local rancher/historian and Texas Mountain Trail board member, Travis Roberts, shares the history of Brewster County with the large crowd assembled on the Brewster County Courthouse square in Alpine

The crowd on the Brewster County Courthouse steps

Detail, Brewster County Courthouse

Detail, Celebration cake with photo of the Brewster County Courthouse!

On the Courthouse Square, Alpine

Yesterday, a big crowd celebrated Brewster County's 125th anniversary on the courthouse square in Alpine, followed by a community barbecue lunch.  During the ceremony, early settlers and ranchers were acknowledged, and a history of the county was cited.  Dignitaries, proclamations, enthusiasm and pride of our heritage were all a part of the beautiful day.  Thanks to the Brewster County Historical Commission for putting on such a great event! 

Beautiful Presidio County Courthouse

Texas is blessed with beautiful county courthouses, and with the efforts of many people who've worked hard on their restoration.  The Texas Historical Commission leads a restoration program for qualifying courthouses.  One of the recipients of support from the THC's program is the lovely Presidio County Courthouse in Marfa.

One of our favorite things to do when the courthouse is open, is to climb the 80 or so steps to the top of the building for a 360 degree view of Marfa and the grassland surrounding the town.  It is a perfect "mini-break" to appreciate the beautiful building's architecture and the local community and landscape.

Brewster County Courthouse

Brewster County is celebrating its 125th anniversary this month.  A notice from the Brewster County Historical Commission and the West Texas Historical Society:

"The West Texas Historical Association, founded in 1924, will hold its 89th Annual Conference on March 30-31 on the campus of Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, in the heart of the Big Bend country.  This year, it will be joined by the Historical Society of New Mexico, the East Texas Historical Association, the Center for Studies of the Big Bend, and the Texas Historical Commission.  Dr. Alwyn Barr, Professor Emeritus from Texas Tech University will be featured keynote speaker.  Dr. Bruce Glasrud, President of the Association, has invited the public to attend all history presentations that will be held at the Morgan University Center on the Sul Ross State University campus.  Topics will range from frontier history, personalities, and 20th Century religious, academic and legal issues affecting the West Texas region.  In observance of the Civil War sesquicentennial, a number of important presentations will delve into the West Texas and borderland experience during the war period.  Also, a special session on the anniversary of the creation of Brewster County will be featured during the conference.  Travis Roberts of the Brewster County Historical Commission has invited attendees to a BBQ lunch Friday March 30 on the Alpine Court House lawn to commemorate the county’s 125th birthday.  Book exhibits and other items will be on display, and a silent auction will be held until 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 31.  Following the conference on the 31st, a tour of the Fort Davis area and a buffet at the Prude Ranch will be offered.  Visitors are invited to make plans now to attend the conference.  For more information go to www.wtha.org or call 806-742-9076 or email wthayb@ttu.edu."

Old Courthouse Portrait in the collection of the Clark Hotel Museum

One of several portraits of landmarks from the area, this portrait of the old Culberson County courthouse hangs in Van Horn's Clark Hotel Museum.  Alas, the courthouse was razed in the 1960s to make way for the construction of a new courthouse for the county.

Snow at Jeff Davis County Courthouse

A dusting of snow, a madrone tree and the Jeff Davis County Courthouse, by Carolyn Nored Miller of Fort Davis.  It has been an honor to feature Carolyn's photographs this holiday week.  Thank you, Carolyn!

Snowy Fort Davis

We'd like to thank Carol Nored Miller of Fort Davis for this wintertime image of the Fort Davis bank, across from the historic Jeff Davis County Courthouse.  Thanks, Carolyn!

SURVIVED!!!

Today, we want to feature places in Fort Davis that survived the fire this weekend.  This small community will need a few days to get the power back on and get life organized again, but they'll NEED you to come back and see them.  You've read reports of a blackened landscape, yet it is important to realize ecosystem is very forgiving when it comes to fire.  A rain or two will get some green growing again, and the rebound will be swift and amazing...and Fort Davis will need you to come back and SEE that amazing rebound.  And as is usual with visits to Fort Davis...you'll have a great time.  So here's a rollcall of the intact survivors:

Hotel Limpia



Jeff Davis County Courthouse, in the center of town

Fort Davis National Historic Site

Indian Lodge

McDonald Observatory

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens

Historic structures like the Old Jail

Davis Mountains Lodge and Expeditions (formerly Davis Mountains Education Center)

The entire downtown area, including the Stone Village Market

Please note, it may be several days before the town is really ready for visitors.  Please visit our facebook page, www.facebook.com/TexasMountainTrail , Marfa Public Radio  http://www.marfapublicradio.org/, or Big Bend Now, http://www.bigbendnow.com/ for updates.