Erath County Courthouse
Public Sq., Stephenville, TXAn outstanding example of Romanesque Revival design, the structure possesses considerable architectural significance. A picturesque. composition, it is among the many fine courthouses designed by J. Riely Gordon and represents the first phase in a three-step evolution of the traditional courthouse from a plan type based on a square with crossing corridors, to a plan type with a central open court, and finally to a plan in cruciform configuration with a central air shaft and masonry tower replacing the court of the second phase. As such, it has regional architectural significance and should be included among a group of county courthouses in Texas that represents Gordon's creative approach to the evolution of a unique courthouse plan.
Earth County was settled in the 1850s by John M. and William F. Stephen who established Stephenville which with the organization of the county in 1856 became the county seat.
The first courthouse in Erath County was a frame building built at the time the county was organized. This structure burned in 1866, destroying all county records. Following the fire, the Commissioners' Court leased a commercial building until the second courthouse was completed in 1867. A two-story structure of rock, it cost $11,876.00 and served the county for 24 years.
On June 14, 1891, the Fort Worth Daily Gazette reported that the Erath County Commissioners' Court was prepared to receive bids for the construction of a new courthouse. In the meantime, however, action on the matter was delayed pending the outcome of an election on the question of moving the county seat to Dublin. When the vote determined that the county seat would remain in Stephenville the Commissioners awarded the contract for construction of the county seat to architects J. Riely Gordon and D.E. Laub and contractor S.A. Tomlinson of Fort Worth. The contract cost was set at $59,173.00. Tomlinson was to raze the old courthouse at a cost of $350.00 making the total cost of the project $58,823.00.
On December 3, 1891, the cornerstone was laid with full Masonic ritual by the Stephenville Lodge Number 267. Inside the hollow cornerstone, "hewn out of our white limestone, with appropriate carvings and inscription"-were local newspapers, a pint of whiskey, and several pieces of jewelry.
Local significance of the building:
Earth County was settled in the 1850s by John M. and William F. Stephen who established Stephenville which with the organization of the county in 1856 became the county seat.
The first courthouse in Erath County was a frame building built at the time the county was organized. This structure burned in 1866, destroying all county records. Following the fire, the Commissioners' Court leased a commercial building until the second courthouse was completed in 1867. A two-story structure of rock, it cost $11,876.00 and served the county for 24 years.
On June 14, 1891, the Fort Worth Daily Gazette reported that the Erath County Commissioners' Court was prepared to receive bids for the construction of a new courthouse. In the meantime, however, action on the matter was delayed pending the outcome of an election on the question of moving the county seat to Dublin. When the vote determined that the county seat would remain in Stephenville the Commissioners awarded the contract for construction of the county seat to architects J. Riely Gordon and D.E. Laub and contractor S.A. Tomlinson of Fort Worth. The contract cost was set at $59,173.00. Tomlinson was to raze the old courthouse at a cost of $350.00 making the total cost of the project $58,823.00.
On December 3, 1891, the cornerstone was laid with full Masonic ritual by the Stephenville Lodge Number 267. Inside the hollow cornerstone, "hewn out of our white limestone, with appropriate carvings and inscription"-were local newspapers, a pint of whiskey, and several pieces of jewelry.
Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
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.
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.
About Erath County
Erath County Timeline
Erath County, located in the central region of Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanches and Tonkawas, who roamed the region for centuries. However, the Spanish explorers were the first Europeans to arrive in the area, with the famed Pedro Vial passing through in 1785.
In the 1850s, settlers began to establish permanent communities in Erath County, attracted by the fertile land and abundant water sources. One of the earliest settlements was Stephenville, which was founded in 1856. The town grew steadily and became a significant hub for trade and commerce in the region. During this time, agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, became the backbone of the economy.
Erath County played a notable role during the Civil War, as many residents joined the Confederate Army. The county also witnessed several skirmishes and raids, as it was located on the Western Frontier, making it an important strategic point. The war had a lasting impact on the area, with the local economy suffering due to the loss of men and resources.
Following the war, Erath County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in 1889 further boosted the economy and facilitated transportation. The county continued to thrive on agriculture and ranching, while also diversifying into industries such as oil and gas production. Today, Erath County remains a vibrant community, known for its ranching heritage, educational institutions like Tarleton State University, and a strong sense of community spirit.
In the 1850s, settlers began to establish permanent communities in Erath County, attracted by the fertile land and abundant water sources. One of the earliest settlements was Stephenville, which was founded in 1856. The town grew steadily and became a significant hub for trade and commerce in the region. During this time, agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, became the backbone of the economy.
Erath County played a notable role during the Civil War, as many residents joined the Confederate Army. The county also witnessed several skirmishes and raids, as it was located on the Western Frontier, making it an important strategic point. The war had a lasting impact on the area, with the local economy suffering due to the loss of men and resources.
Following the war, Erath County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in 1889 further boosted the economy and facilitated transportation. The county continued to thrive on agriculture and ranching, while also diversifying into industries such as oil and gas production. Today, Erath County remains a vibrant community, known for its ranching heritage, educational institutions like Tarleton State University, and a strong sense of community spirit.
Erath County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Erath County, Texas.
- 1854: Erath County is officially organized and named after George Bernard Erath, a Texas Ranger and surveyor.
- 1855: The first settlers arrive in the area, primarily from Tennessee and Missouri.
- 1860: The first post office is established in Stephenville, the county seat.
- 1865: The Civil War ends, and Erath County begins to recover from the conflict.
- 1870: The Texas Central Railroad is completed, bringing increased trade and development to the county.
- 1893: Tarleton State University is founded in Stephenville.
- 1926: Construction of US Highway 67 begins, providing improved transportation access for Erath County.
- 1940s: The discovery of oil in the county leads to an economic boom.
- 1990s: Erath County becomes a popular filming location for movies and television shows, including "Walker, Texas Ranger."