State Antiquities Landmark

Glasscock County Courthouse & Jail

Late Victorian, Late 19th & Early 20th c.
Garden City Texas
Significance:
structures

Jurisdiction:
County of Glasscock

State Antiquities Landmarks (SALs) are designated by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and receive legal protection under the Antiquities Code of Texas (the Code). The Code defines all cultural resources on non-federal public lands in the State of Texas as eligible to be designated as SALs. Historic buildings and other aboveground historic resources must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places before they can be designated as SALs, but archeological sites do not have the same prerequisite.

SAL designation does not mean that sites or buildings cannot be altered or destroyed. The land-owning agency must consult with the THC about such proposed actions through the permit process, and the THC will determine whether the work will be allowed.

Buildings designated as SALs are listed in the Texas Historic Sites Atlas. However, information about designated archeological sites is not available to the general public to protect the sites from vandalism and destruction.

railroad depots railroads Prairie School (architectural style) Eastlake
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Texas random facts
Glasscock County is a county located in the state of Texas, specifically in the western part of the state. The county was officially established in 1887 and was named after George Washington Glasscock, who was a Texas patriot and a soldier during the Texas Revolution. The county was carved out of land that was previously a part of Tom Green County. The first settlement in the area was established in 1880, with the town of Garden City acting as the county seat.

During its early years, Glasscock County was primarily an agricultural area, with ranching and farming being the main economic activities. Cattle ranching was especially prominent, and many small family-owned ranches were established in the county. However, the area faced major challenges due to its arid climate and lack of water resources, with droughts often hitting the region.

In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil brought significant changes to Glasscock County. The county experienced a boom in oil production, which led to an influx of people and an economic boost. The discovery of oil also brought infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of roads and pipelines. However, in the 1940s, the oil production declined, and agriculture once again became the primary industry in the county.

Today, Glasscock County is still primarily an agricultural area, with ranching and farming continuing to be the main sources of income for its residents. The county has also seen some growth in the renewable energy sector, with the development of wind farms. Glasscock County remains a small rural community, known for its friendly residents and tight-knit community spirit.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Glasscock County, Texas.

  • 1880: Glasscock County is established and named after George Washington Glasscock, a Texas Revolution soldier.
  • 1887: The first post office is established in the county.
  • 1908: The town of Garden City is founded.
  • 1909: The first school in Glasscock County is built.
  • 1926: The discovery of oil in the county leads to a boom in population and economic growth.
  • 1932: Glasscock County's first elected officials are appointed.
  • 1951: The Glasscock County Courthouse is built.
  • 1970: The population of Glasscock County reaches its peak at around 2,000 residents.
  • 1992: The Glasscock County Museum is established to preserve the history of the area.