Historic Courthouse

Hamilton County Courthouse

Hamilton, Texas

Built in 1871 and contractor F. M..

Lot was sold to Graves under condition that he build a stone building with an upper story to be rented to county for use as courthouse.

Current status: gone/burned 1877

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.

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Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
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Hamilton County, located in central Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanches and Tonkawas. They relied on the region's abundant natural resources for sustenance and traded with European settlers who began arriving in the 1820s.

The county itself was formed in 1858 and named after James Hamilton Jr., a notable figure in Texas' fight for independence from Mexico. The first permanent settlement in the area was established around 1855 and became known as Hamilton, which later became the county seat. The early settlers primarily engaged in farming, ranching, and cotton production.

During the Civil War, many of Hamilton County's residents joined the Confederate Army to defend the Southern cause. The county suffered several attacks by Native American tribes aligned with the Union during the conflict. Following the war, the county gradually recovered, and the population began to grow with the introduction of new industries such as limestone quarrying and milling.

By the early 20th century, Hamilton County had become an established agricultural region, known for its cotton, corn, and cattle production. However, the Great Depression hit the area hard, causing economic decline and depopulation. In recent decades, the county has diversified its economy, incorporating sectors like manufacturing, education, and healthcare.

Today, Hamilton County is a vibrant community that combines its rich history with modern development. Visitors can explore historical landmarks, enjoy recreational activities in the surrounding natural beauty, and experience the warmth of its friendly residents. The county continues to thrive, attracting new residents and businesses while cherishing its deep-rooted heritage.

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

  • 1853: Hamilton County is created as a new county in the state of Texas.
  • 1858: The county seat is established in the town of Hamilton.
  • 1872: The Fort Worth and Rio Grande Railway is built through Hamilton County.
  • 1882: The first newspaper, called The Hamilton Herald, is published in Hamilton.
  • 1902: Hamilton County Courthouse, the current courthouse, is completed.
  • 1929: The Great Depression causes economic hardships for Hamilton County residents.
  • 1948: The town of Evant experiences a devastating tornado, resulting in multiple casualties.
  • 1956: Lake Proctor is constructed as a recreational reservoir in Hamilton County.
  • 1996: The Texas Historical Commission designates the city of Hico as a Texas Main Street community.
  • 2017: Hamilton County celebrates its 165th anniversary since its establishment.