Dickens County Courthouse
Dickens, TexasBuilt in 1893 in Romanesque Revival architectual style by architect E. L. Aiken by contractor E. L. Aiken.
Designed by E. L. Aiken, the Dickens County Courthouse was built in 1893 in the traditional quadrilateral form with intersecting halls defining county offices on the ground floor, and the county courtroom dominating the second floor. During construction, Aiken petitioned the Commissioners' Court and received permission to build the stairway on the north end of the hallway instead of the south end of the hall as shown on the plans. The four elevations are of simple rock-faced masonry, quarried locally, with square windows and arched entries. The main entry on the west side is marked by a double arch and a recessed bay topped by a pediment. The north and south facades feature projecting ornamental balconies that shelter the entrances. On either side of these entrances a pair of chimneys once rose above the roofline. The building originally featured a molded cornice, hip-roofed pavilions with round finials, and a polygonal central tower that terminated with a domed cupola. The tower was removed and replaced with a flat roof and a featureless cornice in 1936. Additional changes made at this time include extending the east side of the building 20 feet, incorporating a basement into this addition for storage of county records, adding new doors and windows, painting the interior and exterior of the building and replacing the original wood and coal stoves with a new heating system. Other changes that have been made to the building include the installation of storm doors and windows, along with new central heating and cooling systems in 1960, the addition of a new vault to the county clerk's office in 1962, and the recent removal of the non-original paint from the exterior walls.
1936:Nugent Construction Company of Spur , courthouse remodeling removed central domed tower and cornice. 20 feet was added on the east side. A basement was incorporated into the addition for storage of county records, new doors and windows were added. The building was painted inside and out. A new heating system was added replacing the original wood and coal stoves.1960: West Texas Utilities Company of Abilene, add a central heating and cooling system. Storm doors and windows were also installed. 1962; a new vault was added to the county clerk's office-Foundation work, dropped ceilings completed [some] years ago
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.
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
In 1876, Dickens County was officially established and named after J. Dickens, a famous Texas veteran of the American Civil War. The county remained sparsely populated for several years until the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway reached the area in the 1880s. This led to an influx of settlers and the establishment of towns such as Spur, the county seat, and Afton.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a rapid growth in Dickens County. The agricultural industry thrived, with cotton becoming the main cash crop. Cattle ranching also played a significant role in the county's economy. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s further boosted development and brought in additional revenue.
However, like many other areas in Texas, Dickens County faced challenges during the Great Depression. The agricultural sector suffered, and many residents were forced to leave in search of better opportunities. Despite these hardships, the county gradually recovered and saw renewed growth in the post-World War II era.
Today, Dickens County is an important part of the region's agricultural industry, primarily producing cotton, wheat, and livestock. It also attracts visitors with its scenic landscapes, historic sites, and annual events celebrating its western heritage. The county's rich history and resilience continue to shape its identity and contribute to its vibrant community.
Dickens County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dickens County, Texas.
- 1876 - Dickens County, Texas is established on August 21
- 1886 - The town of Dickens is established as the county seat
- 1890 - First census records a population of 1,972 in the county
- 1891 - The Dickens County Courthouse is built
- 1909 - The Texas Central Railroad reaches Dickens County, boosting economic growth
- 1926 - Route 82 becomes the first paved highway in the county
- 1940 - Peak population of 5,967 is recorded
- 1953 - The McAdoo oilfield is discovered, leading to increased oil production in the county
- 1974 - The Rocker B Ranch, covering over 100,000 acres, becomes the largest private ranch in the county
- 1990 - Population drops to 2,762 as agriculture becomes less dominant
- 2007 - The Dickens County Wind Farm is established, taking advantage of the area's strong winds for renewable energy