Dickens County Courthouse and Jail
Public Sq., Dickens, TXIn the sparsely populated counties of West Texas, the courthouse building was often the dominant architectural feature of the landscape. As such, it became a prime influence on town layout and a focus of social and governmental activities. The Dickens County Courthouse is a typical example of the process and one of the earliest significant buildings in Dickens County. As an integral part of the historic development of the area, it is, therefore, worthy of preservation. It is among the few substantial nineteenth-century masonry buildings still standing.
Dickens County was created in 1876 and named for J. Dickens, a defender of the Alamo. After the organization of the county, the Commissioners' Court met in Dockhum on April 1, 1891, and selected Espuela as the temporary county seat. Located 8 miles below the escarpment of the Llano Estacado, the townsite served as a supply point for an area where the first permanent settlements were dugouts serving as line camps for the Spur, Matador, and Pitchfork Ranches. A store owned by W. R. Stafford was rented by the county for $15.00 a month and served as the county courthouse until the construction of a permanent building in 1893.
On May 9, 1892, the Commissioners' Court met in regular sessions to order the issuance of bonds in the amount of $20,000 for the construction of a courthouse and jail for Dicken's County. Following an advertisement in the Fort Worth Daily Gazette the County Commissioners met on June 13 to consider plans and specifications. The contract was awarded to E.L. Aiken of Hardeman County for a bid of $19,475.00.
On April 1, 1893, the Commissioners voted to receive the new courthouse, "having examined the building in a body and the same having been built according to the plans and specifications heretofore adopted."
The court reserved out of the contract price the sum of $2,500.00 to cover any deficiency in the work such as rewriting the walls, completing the painting, putting in glass, and removing rubbish.
On November 9, 1936, a contract was let to Nugent Construction Company of Spur to remodel the courthouse for the sum of $15,000.00 About 20 feet were added on the east side. A basement was incorporated into the addition for the storage of county records. The central tower was removed and 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.
On February 20, 1960, a contract was let with the West Texas Utilities Company of Abilene, to add a central heating and cooling system. Storm doors and windows were also installed. The remodeling cost a total of $10,139.34. In July 1962, a new vault was added to the county clerk's office at a cost of $9,720.00.
The Dickens County Courthouse was awarded the Texas State Historical Survey Committee's State Medallion in December 1962 for its 70 years of service.
The Dickens County Jail represents one of the oldest structures in the small West Texas town of Dickens and has served as the county jail since its completion in the early 1890s.
Local significance of the building:
Dickens County was created in 1876 and named for J. Dickens, a defender of the Alamo. After the organization of the county, the Commissioners' Court met in Dockhum on April 1, 1891, and selected Espuela as the temporary county seat. Located 8 miles below the escarpment of the Llano Estacado, the townsite served as a supply point for an area where the first permanent settlements were dugouts serving as line camps for the Spur, Matador, and Pitchfork Ranches. A store owned by W. R. Stafford was rented by the county for $15.00 a month and served as the county courthouse until the construction of a permanent building in 1893.
On May 9, 1892, the Commissioners' Court met in regular sessions to order the issuance of bonds in the amount of $20,000 for the construction of a courthouse and jail for Dicken's County. Following an advertisement in the Fort Worth Daily Gazette the County Commissioners met on June 13 to consider plans and specifications. The contract was awarded to E.L. Aiken of Hardeman County for a bid of $19,475.00.
On April 1, 1893, the Commissioners voted to receive the new courthouse, "having examined the building in a body and the same having been built according to the plans and specifications heretofore adopted."
The court reserved out of the contract price the sum of $2,500.00 to cover any deficiency in the work such as rewriting the walls, completing the painting, putting in glass, and removing rubbish.
On November 9, 1936, a contract was let to Nugent Construction Company of Spur to remodel the courthouse for the sum of $15,000.00 About 20 feet were added on the east side. A basement was incorporated into the addition for the storage of county records. The central tower was removed and 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.
On February 20, 1960, a contract was let with the West Texas Utilities Company of Abilene, to add a central heating and cooling system. Storm doors and windows were also installed. The remodeling cost a total of $10,139.34. In July 1962, a new vault was added to the county clerk's office at a cost of $9,720.00.
The Dickens County Courthouse was awarded the Texas State Historical Survey Committee's State Medallion in December 1962 for its 70 years of service.
The Dickens County Jail represents one of the oldest structures in the small West Texas town of Dickens and has served as the county jail since its completion in the early 1890s.
Politics/government
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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.
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About Dickens County
Dickens County Timeline
Dickens County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the mid-19th century. The county was initially part of the Bexar District, but in 1858, it became part of the Young Territory. The area was known for its vast grasslands, attracting settlers who were primarily involved in ranching and farming.
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.
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