Bee County Courthouse
105 West Corpus Christi, Beeville Texas Significance:Jurisdiction:
State Antiquities Landmarks (SALs) are designated by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and receive legal protection under the Antiquities Code of Texas (the Code). The Code defines all cultural resources on non-federal public lands in the State of Texas as eligible to be designated as SALs. Historic buildings and other aboveground historic resources must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places before they can be designated as SALs, but archeological sites do not have the same prerequisite.
SAL designation does not mean that sites or buildings cannot be altered or destroyed. The land-owning agency must consult with the THC about such proposed actions through the permit process, and the THC will determine whether the work will be allowed.
Buildings designated as SALs are listed in the Texas Historic Sites Atlas. However, information about designated archeological sites is not available to the general public to protect the sites from vandalism and destruction.
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
In the 19th century, Bee County underwent significant changes due to the arrival of American settlers. In 1857, Bee County was officially formed and named after Colonel Barnard E. Bee, a hero of the Texas Revolution. The county began to flourish with the establishment of ranching and farming communities. The emergence of railroads in the late 1800s further boosted the area's growth, connecting Bee County to markets in nearby counties and facilitating economic development.
The discovery of oil in Bee County in the early 20th century signaled another wave of prosperity. The county experienced a boom in oil production, attracting workers and capital to the area. This development led to the growth of towns such as Beeville, the county seat, as well as significant infrastructure improvements. Agriculture, including cotton and livestock, also continued to play a crucial role in the county's economy during this period.
Today, Bee County remains a vibrant community with a diverse economy. It is known for its agricultural output, with cattle ranching, cotton farming, and vegetable cultivation being key industries. The county also benefits from the presence of the oil and gas industry, which continues to contribute to its economic stability. Bee County's rich history and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for visitors and residents alike.
Bee County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bee County, Texas.
- 1836: Bee County is part of the newly independent Republic of Texas.
- 1837: The Texas legislature establishes Bee County as a separate county from San Patricio County.
- 1858: The county seat is moved from old Fort Ewell to the newly established village of Beeville.
- 1908: The first oil well is drilled in Bee County.
- 1930s: Oil production in Bee County booms and greatly impacts the local economy.
- 1942: Chase Field, a naval aviation training base, is established in Beeville during World War II.
- 1960s: Beeville experiences significant economic growth due to the establishment of several manufacturing plants.
- 1990: Bee County celebrates its 150th anniversary.
- 2006: The Bee County Courthouse, a historic landmark, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.