Historic Courthouse

Andrews County Courthouse

Andrews, Texas

Built in 1911.

When Andrews County was first organized, there were no immediate plans for building a courthouse. The county government rented the second story of the Andrews State Bank to use as a meeting place. It was not until 1911 that a courthouse was built. A two-story wooden structure was built approximately one mile from the site of the current courthouse. This courthouse was used until it burned down in the 1930s.

The Texas Historical Commission's (THC) nationally recognized and award-winning Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) has turned around the trend of disrepair and begun restoring these treasured historic landmarks. Texas has more historic courthouses than any other state. Today more than 240 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.

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Andrews County, located in the western part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Apache and Comanche, who relied on the region's natural resources for their sustenance. In the mid-19th century, European settlers began arriving in the area that would become Andrews County. The region was part of the Texas Republic and later the state of Texas. The main economic activities at this time were farming, ranching, and oil production.

Andrews County was officially established in 1876 and was named after Richard Andrews, the first man to die in the Texas Revolution. The discovery of oil in the Permian Basin in the early 1920s transformed Andrews County and brought about significant growth and prosperity. Oil companies flocked to the area, drilling numerous wells and establishing a booming oil industry. This led to a population boom as people from all over flocked to Andrews County in search of work and opportunities.

Throughout the years, Andrews County has continued to be heavily influenced by the oil industry. The county has seen periods of economic boom and bust as oil prices fluctuated, but oil remains a major industry in the region. In recent years, there has also been a growing focus on renewable energy, including wind power, with the establishment of several wind farms in the area.

Today, Andrews County is known for its diverse economy, blending agriculture, oil, and renewable energy industries. It remains an important part of the Permian Basin, contributing to Texas' status as one of the leading oil-producing states in the country.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Andrews County, Texas.

  • 1800s: The area that is now Andrews County was home to various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Apache.
  • 1875: The Texas legislature formed Andrews County from parts of Bexar County, and it was named after Richard Andrews, the first man to die in the Texas Revolution.
  • Late 1800s: The county witnessed its first significant European settlement, with ranchers and farmers beginning to establish homesteads.
  • Early 1900s: The discovery of oil in the Permian Basin sparked a period of growth and economic development in Andrews County.
  • 1929: Andrews County's first drilling rig, belonging to the Texon Oil and Land Company, began producing oil, leading to an oil boom in the region.
  • 1938: Andrews County was struck by a powerful tornado that caused significant damage to the town of Andrews, resulting in several fatalities and injuries.
  • Late 1900s: Oil and gas production continued to be the primary driver of the county's economy, with several major companies operating in the area.
  • 1997: The county's first hazardous waste storage and disposal facility, the Andrews County LLRW Disposal Facility, began operations, bringing both jobs and controversy.
  • Present: Andrews County remains a hub for oil and gas activities, with ongoing efforts to attract diversification in industries while preserving its natural resources.