Caldwell County Courthouse Historic District
a.k.a. See Also:Emanuel Episcopal Church
Courthouse Sq. and environs, Lockhart, TXCaldwell county was first explored in 1831 by Byrd Lockhart deputy surveyor to the DeWitt Colony. By 1835 a number of Mexican land grants had opened the area for settlement. Periodic Indian raids hampered the development of the area until 1840 when settlers led by Matthew Caldwell scored decisive victories in the Plumb Creek and Council House Indian fights. By the 1840s the population of the area had grown to some 200 persons. An act of the state legislature forced heirs of the original Lockhart to sell a tract of land around Lockhart Springs, which with the incorporation of the county in 1848 became Lockhart, the county seat.
The first courthouse was built immediately after the organization of the county, in the area designated as the town square. Presumably a simple framed structure, the cost was, "not to exceed $200, half paid when the building was completed and the other half paid twelve months later."
In 1856 this building was ordered sold at "public outcry" in preparation for the construction of a new structure. In 1857, Caldwell county built a second courthouse, a two-story edifice of limestone in the Greek Revival style. It was forty feet wide by sixty-five feet long with a bell and cupola on top.
By 1890 some controversy had arisen over the construction of a new courthouse to replace the antebellum structure.
Rival newspapers, the Lockhart Register and the Lockhart Post, covered the lively public debate. One contributor commented, "The present courthouse is 32 years old, it is too small and the limestone with which it is built is very dirty, we need a new one!" In spite of counter-arguments that a new courthouse would be a "waste of public money" and "larger than the town will ever need," the county commissioners voted on April 10, 1893, to consider "bids, plans, and specifications for a new courthouse to cost between $40,000 to $60,000".
On April 27, 1893, the commissioners' court approved drawings for a three-story building in the Second-Empire style submitted by the firm of Martin, Byrnes, and Johnston at a projected cost of $54,350. The design itself was evidently the work of British-born architect Alfred Giles, one of the most active architects in the state at that time. The Goliad County Courthouse built in 1894 by Martin, Byrnes, and Johnston is also attributed to Giles and was virtually identical to the Caldwell County Courthouse.
The cornerstone was laid with the Masonic ritual on August 15, 1893. On March 19, 1884, the commissioners' court received the courthouse and commended the supervising architect for "The faithful manner in which he performed the duties incumbent on him." The courthouse today continues to perform the original function with only minor changes in the architectural fabric.
Local significance of the district:
The first courthouse was built immediately after the organization of the county, in the area designated as the town square. Presumably a simple framed structure, the cost was, "not to exceed $200, half paid when the building was completed and the other half paid twelve months later."
In 1856 this building was ordered sold at "public outcry" in preparation for the construction of a new structure. In 1857, Caldwell county built a second courthouse, a two-story edifice of limestone in the Greek Revival style. It was forty feet wide by sixty-five feet long with a bell and cupola on top.
By 1890 some controversy had arisen over the construction of a new courthouse to replace the antebellum structure.
Rival newspapers, the Lockhart Register and the Lockhart Post, covered the lively public debate. One contributor commented, "The present courthouse is 32 years old, it is too small and the limestone with which it is built is very dirty, we need a new one!" In spite of counter-arguments that a new courthouse would be a "waste of public money" and "larger than the town will ever need," the county commissioners voted on April 10, 1893, to consider "bids, plans, and specifications for a new courthouse to cost between $40,000 to $60,000".
On April 27, 1893, the commissioners' court approved drawings for a three-story building in the Second-Empire style submitted by the firm of Martin, Byrnes, and Johnston at a projected cost of $54,350. The design itself was evidently the work of British-born architect Alfred Giles, one of the most active architects in the state at that time. The Goliad County Courthouse built in 1894 by Martin, Byrnes, and Johnston is also attributed to Giles and was virtually identical to the Caldwell County Courthouse.
The cornerstone was laid with the Masonic ritual on August 15, 1893. On March 19, 1884, the commissioners' court received the courthouse and commended the supervising architect for "The faithful manner in which he performed the duties incumbent on him." The courthouse today continues to perform the original function with only minor changes in the architectural fabric.
Commerce; Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
About Caldwell County
Caldwell County Timeline
Caldwell County, located in central Texas, has a rich and storied history dating back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache. In the 18th century, Spanish settlers began exploring and settling the region, establishing missions and ranches.
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.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.