Historical Marker

Cottle County Courthouse

Historical marker location:
Paducah, Texas
( Courthouse square)
Marker installed: 2005
Marker size: 27" x 42"

The Texas Legislature created Cottle County in 1876 and named it for George Washington Cottle, who died defending the Alamo forty years earlier. Stage routes connected early ranches, including the OX, SMS, and Matador, to established towns in other counties. In late 1891, settlers petitioned for the county to be organized, and an election in January 1892 formalized Cottle County's boundaries.

A geographically central site was selected as county seat and named for Paducah, Kentucky, hometown of settler Richard Potts. County business was conducted in existing homes until a permanent courthouse, a small one-story frame building, was finished in May 1892. That was replaced in November 1894 with a two-story brick buildling, with a prominent bell tower, designed by J. A. White.

The Cottle County economy flourished, and in April 1929, county commissioners awarded a contract for a new courthouse to architect C. H. Leinbach. Four days later, they rescinded that order and the citizens voted on $150,000 in courthouse bonds, a measure that failed outside Paducah but passed in the city and carried overall. The county gave a new contract to the Wichita Falls firm of Voelcker and Dixon, designers of 11 courthouses across Texas. In the fall of 1929, work began here on one of the premier Art Deco style courthouses in the state, a four-story brick and terra cotta building that looms over the square. Stepped blocks project from a central mass, with carved eagles, stylized figures of justice and liberty, and inscriptions above each of four entries. The unusual design, which has drawn comparison to an Egyptian temple, makes it one of the most distinctive public buildings in the region.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2005

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

courthouses Art Deco
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Texas random facts
Cottle County is a small county located in the state of Texas, named after George Washington Cottle, one of the heroes of the Texas Revolution. The county was officially established on August 21, 1876, and was once part of the large Bexar County. In the late 19th century, settlers began to flock to the area, drawn by the promise of fertile land and farming opportunities.

In the early years, Cottle County relied heavily on agriculture, with cotton becoming the main staple crop. The county's population steadily increased, and by the turn of the 20th century, it had become a thriving community. Cattle ranching also played a significant role in the county's economy, with large ranches covering vast areas of land.

However, the early 20th century brought some challenges to Cottle County. In the 1920s, a severe drought struck the region, leading to crop failures and devastating the agricultural industry. The Great Depression of the 1930s further compounded the hardships faced by the county's residents. Many people were forced to leave the area in search of better opportunities.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Cottle County saw a decline in population and economic activity. The agricultural industry underwent significant changes, with mechanization reducing the need for labor and smaller family farms struggling to survive. Today, Cottle County remains a primarily rural and sparsely populated area, with farming and ranching continuing to be key sectors of its economy. Efforts to diversify the economy through tourism and alternative energy sources are also being explored to ensure the county's future growth and prosperity.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cottle County, Texas.

  • 1876: Cottle County is officially established on August 21.
  • 1883: The town of Paducah is surveyed and becomes the county seat.
  • 1884: The first courthouse is constructed in Paducah.
  • 1902: The Santa Fe Railroad extends into Cottle County, boosting its economy.
  • 1928: The Texas oil boom reaches Cottle County, leading to increased oil drilling.
  • 1941-1945: Cottle County residents serve in World War II.
  • 1951: The Childress Air Force Base opens near Paducah, providing economic opportunities.
  • 1979: The Childress Air Force Base is closed, impacting the local economy.
  • 1986: The Cottle County Courthouse, the third in its history, is completed.