Concho County Courthouse
Paint Rock, TexasBuilt in 1879.
Concho County was formed in 1858 from Bexar County. However, the area was still governed out of McCulloch County until 1879 when there were finally enough voters to officially organize Concho County. Paint Rock was chosen as the county seat, and in August of 1879, the contract for the county's first courthouse was given to R. W. Cushman for $500. This building was described as a twenty by thirty six foot structure with ten foot ceilings; it was made of rough pine lumber with a cypress shingle roof. The space was divided into five rooms, with one main room, which measured sixteen by twenty, and four small 'offices' created by four foot high partitions. A safe was bought in 1882, and a well was ordered for the public square in 1883. This structure was used until 1885, when the county decided to build a larger courthouse. It was sold for $51.00 and dismantled.
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.
Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
In the early 1800s, Concho County was still largely unsettled, but with the establishment of the Republic of Texas in 1836, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive. This led to conflicts with the Native American tribes, culminating in the Battle of Dove Creek in 1865, when Texas Rangers and local militia fought against Comanche warriors.
By the late 19th century, Concho County's economy relied on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and farming. The rise of the railroad in the region further facilitated trade and transportation, leading to the growth of small towns like Paint Rock and Eden. Concho County's population continued to increase steadily throughout the 20th century.
Today, Concho County is known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. With its picturesque landscapes, including the Concho River and vast grasslands, the county attracts visitors for outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and bird-watching. The county's history is celebrated and preserved through local museums, historic buildings, and annual events, showcasing the rich heritage of the region.
Concho County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Concho County, Texas.
- 1858 - Concho County is created from parts of Bexar, Travis, and Young counties.
- 1875 - First post office is established in Concho County.
- 1882 - The town of Paint Rock is founded.
- 1886 - The town of Eden is established.
- 1889 - The town of Eola is founded.
- 1889 - The town of Millersview is established.
- 1889 - A public water system is installed in Concho County.
- 1890 - The town of Lowake is founded.
- 1892 - The town of Arden is established.
- 1895 - Oil is discovered in Concho County, leading to increased development.
- 1910 - Concho County has a population of over 5,000.
- 1936 - Concho County courthouse is built.
- 1941 - Paint Rock ISD is created.
- 1960s - Concho County experiences a decline in population due to agricultural changes.
- 1995 - The Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area is established in Concho County.