Historic Courthouse

Camp County Courthouse

Pittsburg, Texas

Built in 1928 in Classical Revival with Prarie School influences architectual style by architect Smith and Praeger, Paris by contractor Wentzel & Wood.

Three-story on raised basement, 5-bay brick building. Center one-story, one-bay portico with paired columns and stepped 'pediment'. Stepped pattern repeated in roof parapet.

-Elevator added(ADA) in 1986-Dropped ceilings in offices-HVAC systems added-Cast-iron radiators, ceiling fans, and other historic fixtures removed-Jail addition

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.

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Texas random facts
Camp County, Texas, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The area was first inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee. European settlers began arriving in the early 1800s, with the establishment of a few small communities.

The county was officially formed on April 11, 1874, and was named after John Lafayette Camp, a Texas legislator. The town of Pittsburg, located within Camp County, was designated as the county seat. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the county experienced significant growth and development, bolstered by industries such as cotton farming, timber, and oil.

In the late 1800s, Camp County saw a surge in cotton farming, becoming one of the leading cotton producers in Texas. The arrival of the railroad in Pittsburg in 1877 further contributed to the county's economic growth, allowing for easier transportation of goods and products. As timber resources were discovered, logging became another major industry in the area, attracting new settlers and boosting the local economy.

The discovery of oil in East Texas in the early 20th century brought further prosperity to Camp County. Several oil wells were drilled, resulting in increased wealth and population. The oil industry continued to play a significant role in the county's economy throughout the 20th century.

Today, Camp County remains a vibrant community with a mix of rural and urban areas. Agriculture, particularly poultry farming and ranching, continues to be a vital industry. The county also boasts a diverse economy, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. With its rich history and thriving present, Camp County, Texas, is a testament to the resilience and determination of its residents.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Camp County, Texas.

  • 1846: Camp County is established by an act of the Texas state legislature.
  • 1850: The community of Pittsburg is founded as the county seat.
  • 1857: The county courthouse is built in Pittsburg.
  • Late 1800s: The discovery of oil leads to increased population and economic growth in Camp County.
  • 1904: The Pittsburg and Mount Pleasant Railway is completed, providing transportation for the region's timber and oil industries.
  • 1920s: Camp County experiences a boom in oil production, attracting more businesses and residents to the area.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression and declining oil prices lead to a period of economic downturn in Camp County.
  • 1940s-1950s: Camp County rebounds from the economic challenges of the previous decade and experiences growth in agriculture and manufacturing industries.
  • 1970s: The completion of Lake Bob Sandlin leads to increased tourism and recreational opportunities in Camp County.
  • Present: Camp County continues to be a hub for agriculture, oil, and manufacturing industries, while also offering natural beauty and outdoor activities for visitors.