Irion County Courthouse
Sherwood, TexasBuilt in 1901 in Second Empire architectual style by architect Martin & Moodie.
2 1/2-story rusticated limestone structure with pressed metal roof, central clock tower is sheathed with galvanized iron in stamped patterns of classical details. 'Roman arch extrados terminating at sculptural features with simple foliated designs and features encircling likenesses of owls.'-W. Robinson.
Served as courthouse until 1936 when county seat moved to Mertzon. Then sold to Mrs. W. W. Carson for $450 who sold it to the Sherwood Homemakers Club. That club dissolved in 1951 and gave the building to the Sherwood Baptist Church which then dissolved in 1966. R. C. Crabb owned it and sold it to the Sherwood Community Association.
Current status: Community Center
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.
Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
In the 1860s, settlers began to arrive in what is now known as Irion County. The first permanent settlements were established near the North Concho River, with ranching and farming becoming the primary economic activities. The area's abundant water supply and fertile soil made it an attractive destination for those looking to build a prosperous life on the frontier.
The county was officially formed in 1889, after being carved out of Tom Green County. Mertzon, named after Henry Mertz, a local rancher, was chosen as the county seat. The growth of the county continued throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as more settlers arrived and established businesses, schools, and churches.
Today, Irion County remains a rural community with a strong agricultural heritage. Ranching and farming are still important industries, with sheep, cattle, and crops like cotton, peanuts, and sorghum being prominent. The county also boasts several historical sites, including the Irion County Courthouse, which has been serving as the center of local government for over a century.
Irion County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Irion County, Texas.
- 1858 – Irion County is established and named after Robert Anderson Irion, a secretary of state for the Republic of Texas.
- 1889 – Sherwood is chosen as the county seat.
- 1890 – The Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway is completed, passing through Irion County.
- 1929 – Mertzon becomes the new county seat, replacing Sherwood.
- 1934 – Mertzon's first public school is built.
- 1951 – The Irion County Historical Survey Committee is established to preserve local history.
- 1972 – The Irion County Jail, now a historical landmark, is constructed.
- 1983 – The Irion County Historical Society is formed.
- 1998 – The Mertzon Heritage Museum opens, showcasing local history and artifacts.
- 2017 – Irion County celebrates its 159th anniversary.