Cass County Courthouse
Public Sq., Linden, TXThe Neo-Classical Revival Cass County Courthouse, prominently located on the public square in Linden, is the oldest continuously used courthouse in Texas. Serving as a visual reference point that defines the townscape, this building is a reminder of past civic pride when the courthouse was a symbol of peace and of the protection of society. The original brick structure, built in 1859-60 is encased on two sides by additions occurring at the turn of the century, in 1917 and following a fire in 1933.
The present courthouse is actually the second courthouse built in Linden on this site, and Linden is the second county seat of Cass County. In 1846 the original county offices were located in Jefferson, Texas, County commissioners moved the county seat to Linden in 1852. By 1853 a two-story, frame courthouse was built on the same site as the present courthouse, Thomas J. Foster, Sr., the contractor, did the logging and built the first pit saw and lumber mill in Linden for the purpose of building the courthouse. His was also the first business in towns.
The 1859-60 Cass County Courthouse precisely followed the mid-19th century formula for courthouses given in Texas Public Buildings of the Nineteenth Century, by W. B. Robinson,
The courthouse was the site of the early legal work of former Congressman Wright Patman and former Texas Supreme Court Justice Ralph Hicks Harvey.
While many changes to the structure have taken place over time, these changes represent the history and development of the building and they have acquired a significance of their own. Another addition is being planned in a manner sympathetic to the Neo-Classical Revival style architecture that the building took on in 1900. Neither this new addition nor previous additions should make this building any less worthy of preservation. The building remains in good condition and its current intense use serves the best interests of the building itself and the community of Linden, where typically the public square was a focus for community life and commercial activity.
Local significance of the building:
The present courthouse is actually the second courthouse built in Linden on this site, and Linden is the second county seat of Cass County. In 1846 the original county offices were located in Jefferson, Texas, County commissioners moved the county seat to Linden in 1852. By 1853 a two-story, frame courthouse was built on the same site as the present courthouse, Thomas J. Foster, Sr., the contractor, did the logging and built the first pit saw and lumber mill in Linden for the purpose of building the courthouse. His was also the first business in towns.
The 1859-60 Cass County Courthouse precisely followed the mid-19th century formula for courthouses given in Texas Public Buildings of the Nineteenth Century, by W. B. Robinson,
"...formal compositions... two-story blocks, approximately thirty-two feet high, on either square or rectangular plans. Usually, the roof was hipped, and the whole composition was crowned and unified by a square or octagonal cupola, Located in the center of the public square, the courthouse had entries...on all four facades - giving equal prominence to a commercial property on all sides."
The courthouse was the site of the early legal work of former Congressman Wright Patman and former Texas Supreme Court Justice Ralph Hicks Harvey.
While many changes to the structure have taken place over time, these changes represent the history and development of the building and they have acquired a significance of their own. Another addition is being planned in a manner sympathetic to the Neo-Classical Revival style architecture that the building took on in 1900. Neither this new addition nor previous additions should make this building any less worthy of preservation. The building remains in good condition and its current intense use serves the best interests of the building itself and the community of Linden, where typically the public square was a focus for community life and commercial activity.
Law; Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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.
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
About Cass County
Cass County Timeline
Cass County, Texas, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. Throughout its early history, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee tribes. European settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century, with the establishment of a trading post and the establishment of the county in 1846.
The county was named after Lewis Cass, a statesman and politician from Michigan who served as Secretary of State under President James Buchanan. In its early years, Cass County saw rapid growth, fueled by the discovery of rich mineral deposits, including lead, zinc, and coal. The county became an important center for the mining industry and attracted numerous settlers and investors seeking economic opportunities.
Cass County played an important role during the Civil War, as it was strategically located between the Confederate and Union forces. The county experienced both Union and Confederate occupation during the war, and many of its residents enlisted in both armies. The war left a lasting impact on the county, with many buildings and properties destroyed or damaged.
After the Civil War, Cass County experienced a period of slow recovery, but it gradually rebounded with the development of agriculture, particularly cotton and timber industries. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought another wave of growth and prosperity to the county. Today, Cass County continues to thrive as a rural community with a strong agricultural base and a rich historical heritage.
The county was named after Lewis Cass, a statesman and politician from Michigan who served as Secretary of State under President James Buchanan. In its early years, Cass County saw rapid growth, fueled by the discovery of rich mineral deposits, including lead, zinc, and coal. The county became an important center for the mining industry and attracted numerous settlers and investors seeking economic opportunities.
Cass County played an important role during the Civil War, as it was strategically located between the Confederate and Union forces. The county experienced both Union and Confederate occupation during the war, and many of its residents enlisted in both armies. The war left a lasting impact on the county, with many buildings and properties destroyed or damaged.
After the Civil War, Cass County experienced a period of slow recovery, but it gradually rebounded with the development of agriculture, particularly cotton and timber industries. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought another wave of growth and prosperity to the county. Today, Cass County continues to thrive as a rural community with a strong agricultural base and a rich historical heritage.
Cass County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cass County, Texas.
- 1848 - Cass County is established as a county in Texas.
- 1850s - The population of Cass County booms with the discovery of oil in the area.
- 1861-1865 - Cass County sends many soldiers to fight in the American Civil War.
- 1880s - The railroad arrives in Cass County, further boosting its economy and population.
- 1930s - The Great Depression hits Cass County, leading to economic struggles for the community.
- 1950s - The construction of Lake O' the Pines brings recreational opportunities to Cass County.
- 1970s - Cass County experiences a decline in population due to the decline of the oil industry.
- 2000s - Cass County focuses on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism.