Historic Courthouse

Jim Wells County Courthouse

Alice, Texas

Built in 1912 in Mediterranean Revival with Prairie influences architectual style by architect Atlee B. Ayres.

2-story brick structure with a combination of square piers and Classical columns making up the 1-story porch and central pavilion. The building features Corinthian pilasters, decorative cornice, tile roof, and octagonal clearstory and dome.

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Current status: Active Courthouse

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.

archeology military topics Native American
The discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
Texas random facts
Jim Wells County is located in South Texas and was established in 1911. It was named after prominent political figure James B. Wells, who played a significant role in the development of the area. The county's history can be traced back to the early 18th century when it was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Lipan Apache. Spanish explorers and missions were established in the area during the 18th century.

In the mid-19th century, settlers began to move into the region, attracted by its fertile soil and proximity to water sources. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the main industry in the area, and the county quickly grew as a result. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, further boosting the local economy and facilitating transportation.

The county experienced a significant population increase in the early 20th century due to the discovery of oil nearby. Oil production became a major industry, attracting businesses and workers to the area. This led to the development of towns and infrastructure, contributing to the economic growth of Jim Wells County.

Over the years, Jim Wells County has faced challenges such as droughts, floods, and economic downturns, particularly in the agriculture and oil industries. However, the county has remained resilient and has diversified its economy to include other sectors such as healthcare, education, and retail. Today, Jim Wells County continues to be an important agricultural and industrial hub in South Texas, with a rich history and a promising future.

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

  • 1848: Jim Wells County is formed from parts of Nueces County and named after James B. Wells, a prominent political figure in the area.
  • 1904: The St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway is built through Jim Wells County, leading to increased agricultural development and population growth.
  • 1911: Alice becomes the county seat of Jim Wells County, replacing Orange Grove.
  • 1920s-1930s: The discovery of oil and gas in the county leads to an oil boom, spurring economic growth.
  • 1940s-1950s: Jim Wells County sees a decline in population and agricultural activity due to the effects of World War II and changes in farming practices.
  • 1988: Hurricane Gilbert hits Jim Wells County, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1990s-present: Jim Wells County continues to be primarily agricultural, with a focus on farming and ranching.