Colorado County Courthouse
a.k.a. See Also:Colorado County Courthouse Historic District
Bounded by Milam, Spring, Travis and Walnut Sts., Columbus, TXThe site of Colorado County was one of the first areas settled by impresario Stephen F. Austin. In August 1823, Stephen F. Austin, the Baron de Bastrop, a surveyor, and some Negro slaves surveyed 170 acres on the Colorado River 8 miles above the Atascosito crossing. This present site of Columbus was to be the capital and headquarters for the Austin Colony. But the site was abandoned and another location was selected on the Brazos River.
When Sam Houston's army retreated from Gonzoles in 1836 after the fall of the Alamo in the Texas War for Independence, it camped on the east bank of the Colorado River near the site of Columbus. Here Houston's army began to drill and train his army until he learned of the massacre at Goliad. The news created havoc among the Anglo settlers and in retreat Houston's army burned the buildings at Columbus.
One of the original counties of the Republic of Texas, Colorado County was created in 1836 and organized in 1837. Since General Houston had burned all of Columbus' buildings, the first district court was held under a live oak tree and presided over by Robert M. Williamson in April 1837. The tree still stands to the east of the present courthouse in the center of a bordering street. Four courthouses preceded the present courthouse which was built in 1890-91. Although Columbus had grown rapidly following the Civil War, the 1880s and 1890s brought important changes to the town. The courthouse square began to flourish with new business structures, including the 1886 Stafford Opera House at the southwest corner of the square. Built by millionaire cattleman and banker, R. E. Stafford, the Opera House became the center of social and cultural activities in the area.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
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.
During the Republic of Texas era, Colorado County saw rapid growth and development. The county seat, Columbus, was established in 1839 and quickly became a major commercial center. The town served as an important stop on the Old San Felipe Road, a major transportation route connecting East and Central Texas. The discovery of oil and gas in the region in the early 20th century further fueled the county's growth and economic prosperity.
Colorado County played an important role during the Civil War. Many residents of German descent who settled in the county were Union sympathizers, while others supported the Confederacy. The county witnessed several skirmishes and military actions, including the Battle of Columbus in 1862, when Confederate forces repelled a Union raid. After the war, the county slowly rebuilt its economy and infrastructure.
In the 20th century, Colorado County diversified its economy beyond agriculture. The discovery of oil and gas led to the development of a thriving energy industry, and manufacturing and services sectors also grew. Today, Colorado County is a mix of suburban and rural areas, with agriculture, oil and gas, and tourism forming the pillars of its economy. The county continues to preserve its historical sites and celebrate its diverse heritage, attracting visitors from across the state and beyond.
Colorado County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Colorado County, Texas.
- 1821: The area that would become Colorado County, TX is included in Austin's Colony, established by the Mexican government.
- 1835: The area plays a role in the Texas Revolution as volunteers from Colorado County participate in the Battle of Gonzales.
- 1837: Colorado County is officially established as a county in the Republic of Texas.
- 1838: Columbus is selected as the county seat.
- 1846: Colorado County is incorporated into the state of Texas as it becomes part of the United States.
- 1850s: The county experiences rapid growth as more settlers move into the area, establishing farms and ranches.
- 1861: With the outbreak of the Civil War, many residents of Colorado County actively support the Confederacy.
- 1870s: The county's economy starts to diversify with the discovery of oil, leading to the establishment of oil wells and refineries.
- 1935: The Lower Colorado River Authority is established, and dams are constructed in the area for flood control and water supply.
- 1970s: Colorado County experiences an agricultural decline as farming becomes less profitable.
- 1997: The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts is opened in Austin, providing a cultural center for the region.