State Antiquities Landmark

Hopkins County Courthouse

118 Church Street, Sulphur Spring Texas
Significance:
courthouse

Jurisdiction:
County of Hopkins

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.

World War II military topics
The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.
Texas random facts
Hopkins County, located in northeast Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee, until European settlers began arriving in the early 1800s. In 1841, the Texas Congress established Hopkins County and named it after Samuel Hopkins, a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto.

The county's development was greatly influenced by the arrival of the railroad in the late 1870s. The construction of the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, also known as the Cotton Belt Route, opened up new opportunities for trade and agriculture in the area. This led to an increase in population and the establishment of several communities, including Sulphur Springs, the county seat.

Agriculture played a significant role in the county's economy. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for growing crops such as cotton, corn, and wheat. The introduction of new farming techniques and machinery further improved productivity. In addition to agriculture, the county also had thriving industries such as dairy farming, timber harvesting, and oil and gas production.

Over the years, Hopkins County has maintained its agricultural heritage while embracing modern developments. Today, the county is known for its annual Hopkins County Fall Festival, which celebrates the community's history and culture. It also boasts numerous parks, recreational areas, and historic sites, attracting visitors from near and far. Hopkins County continues to be a vibrant and evolving community, combining its rich history with a focus on progress and growth.

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

  • 1846 - Hopkins County is formed from portions of Lamar and Nacogdoches counties.
  • 1849 - The county's first settlement, Tarrant, is established.
  • 1870 - The city of Sulphur Springs is founded as the county seat.
  • 1872 - The Texas and Pacific Railway is built through the county, boosting economic development.
  • 1884 - The county courthouse, known as the "Old White Courthouse," is constructed in Sulphur Springs.
  • 1961 - Lake Fork Reservoir is completed, providing a new recreational attraction for the county.
  • 1985 - The city of Sulphur Springs is designated as the "World Champion Hopkins County Stew Capital."
  • 2000 - The Hopkins County Veterans Memorial is dedicated to honor local veterans.