Historic Courthouse

Hood County Courthouse

Granbury, Texas

Built in 1875.

Stone,.

Current status: gone/demolished 1890

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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Hood County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich and diverse history spanning centuries. The area was initially inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Lipan Apache. European settlement began in the 1850s when the Texas legislature established Hood County in 1866, named after Confederate General John Bell Hood.

The county quickly grew as settlers arrived, and Granbury, the county seat, was founded in 1867. Throughout the late 1800s, Hood County experienced significant developments in infrastructure, including the construction of roads, bridges, and the arrival of the railroad. These advancements facilitated trade and brought newfound prosperity to the area.

The late 19th century also witnessed the impact of the Civil War and Reconstruction era on Hood County. Former slaves were granted freedoms, and the county's demographics started to shift. The farming and ranching industries flourished, with cattle becoming a primary economic driver.

In the 20th century, Hood County continued to grow and adapt. With the advent of the automobile, transportation improved and helped connect the county with surrounding areas. The county's economy diversified, incorporating industries such as manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare. Today, Hood County is known for its natural beauty, historic downtown areas, and vibrant community, attracting tourists and new residents alike.

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

  • 1856 - Hood County is established on January 25.
  • 1860s - The community of Hood County is primarily settled by Anglo-Americans.
  • 1867 - The town of Granbury is founded and becomes the county seat.
  • 1875 - The city of Granbury is incorporated.
  • 1885 - The Texas Central Railroad reaches Granbury.
  • 1890s - Hood County experiences an oil boom, leading to increased population and economic growth.
  • 1921 - The Hood County Courthouse is built.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression impacts Hood County, causing financial hardship for many residents.
  • 1947 - Lake Granbury is created by the construction of De Cordova Bend Dam.
  • 1970 - The Hood County Historical Museum is established.
  • 1990s - Hood County sees significant population growth due to its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.