Caldwell County Courthouse
Lockhart, TexasBuilt in 1894 in Second Empire architectual style by architect Henri E. M. Guindon by contractor Martin, Byrne & Johnston.
The Caldwell County Courthouse was built by Martin, Brynes & Johnston in 1893. Most attribute its design to San Antonio architect Alfred Giles. However, it is more likely that Henri E. M. Guindon is the architect. Only one historical record exists which explicitly attributes the design of either building to any particular architect: an advertisement of Giles' listing the Caldwell County Courthouse as one of his many projects. Recently discovered evidence not only points to architect Henri E. M. Guindon as the true designer, but also accounts for the claim made by Giles. Guindon was a partner of Giles' from 1889-1891, when he left the state for Chicago. He then returned to San Antonio in 1893, and by May of that year, sold his plans and specifications for the courthouse to Caldwell County. He resumed his partnership with Giles in June of 1893. The same plans and specifications were then sold to Goliad County in September 1893 by the partnership. This relationship seems to account for the fact that Giles claimed Caldwell County as a building designed by his firm, although he was not the actual designer. Investigations of the drawing and lettering styles of both men give added support to this version of events. The style of both the Caldwell and Goliad County drawings match that of Henri E. M. Guindon. Like many public buildings of that time, it was designed in the Second Empire style. The three story structure is characterized by a dominant mansard roof and a high central tower with a four-way number sixteen Seth Thomas clock and a 900-pound bell. The elevations reflect a broken massing in which central pavilions define the entrances at all four sides. On the north and south facades, two secondary towers flank the arches at the main entrance. The east and west entries are distinguished by porticos, which were added to the design shortly after the contract was awarded. Recessed bays flank the entrances, and the facades are terminated by pavilions at each corner. The walls of rusticated Muldoon blue limestone are accented with Pecos Red Sandstone lintels, arches and stringcourses. The openings for each floor are spanned by round, flat or segmental arches. Walls are further embellished with contrasting stringcourses, cut stone pilasters and a strongly articulated cornice at the center and corner pavilions. The roof is finished in black slate. The cruciform plan reflects little of the exterior massing. On the first floor, intersecting main halls provide access to the offices of the county clerk, treasurer and tax assessor, along with records storage. The second floor originally housed offices of the county sheriff and the county judge, the district courtroom and a law library. The district courtroom has since been moved to a small room on the third floor, and its original location has been converted into office space with the installation of drop ceiling and paneling. Also located on the third floor are the offices of the Department of Public Safety, county attorney, unemployment, social security, FHA, county agent, sanitation and parks and wildlife departments. Additional interior modifications include the installation of a small elevator, in 1969, and the installation of an air conditioning system. There have been no major exterior changes. A large brick wall has been constructed to screen the mechanical equipment of the courthouse but has unfortunately also disrupted the view of the courthouse. A complete restoration of the Caldwell County Courthouse was begun in 1998.
1969: Air conditioning and elevator installed.
1977: District courtroom converted to office space, with drop ceiling and plastic paneling.- ISTEA Grant - Project scheduled to be let by the county in April 1998.
Current status: Active Courthouse
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.
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
In 1834, Mexican impresario, Green DeWitt, received a land grant from the Mexican government and began attracting American settlers to the area. The town of Lockhart, named after James W. Lockhart, one of DeWitt's surveyors, was established in 1838 and became the county seat in 1848. The county was officially organized the following year.
During the Civil War, Caldwell County, like much of Texas, was divided in its loyalties. Many residents sided with the Confederacy and fought in the war, while others were Union sympathizers. The conflict left deep scars on the county, but it managed to recover and thrive in the post-war years.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Caldwell County's economy was primarily agricultural, with cotton being a major crop. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s boosted economic growth and allowed for easier transportation of goods. Over time, the county diversified its economy, with industries such as oil and gas, cattle ranching, and manufacturing becoming prominent.
Today, Caldwell County is known for its historic charm, scenic beauty, and a strong sense of community. It is home to several notable landmarks, including the Caldwell County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The county continues to evolve and adapt, while also preserving its rich history and heritage.
Caldwell County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Caldwell County, Texas.
- 1848 - The Republic of Texas holds a land lottery and grants land in the area to settlers.
- 1849 - Caldwell County is officially established.
- 1852 - The county seat is named Lockhart.
- 1876 - The first courthouse in Lockhart is built.
- 1887 - The discovery of oil in the county brings prosperity.
- 1922 - The current Caldwell County Courthouse is constructed.
- 1948 - The Chisholm Trail Museum is established in Lockhart.
- 1984 - The Circuit of the Americas racetrack is built in the county.