Historic Courthouse

Kimble County Courthouse

Junction, Texas

Built in 1878.

Two-story frame.

Burned on April 22, 1884

Current status: gone/burned 4/22/1884

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.

houses residential buildings Queen Anne (architectural style)
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Kimble County, Texas has a rich history that dates back to its early settlement by Native American tribes. The Lipan Apache tribe was one of the prominent groups in the region, using the area as a hunting ground for centuries. In the 1800s, European settlers began to establish ranches in the county, introducing cattle and agricultural practices to the area.

The county was officially organized in 1876 and named after George C. Kimble, a famous Texan who fought in the Texas Revolution. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kimble County experienced a period of growth and development. Railroads were built, connecting the county to other parts of Texas, which facilitated the transportation of goods and people.

The discovery of silver and lead in the county drew even more people to the area, resulting in the establishment of several mining communities. For a time, the county was a hub of mining activity, greatly contributing to its economic prosperity. However, as the mining industry declined in the early 20th century, the county shifted its focus to agriculture and ranching.

Today, Kimble County continues to embrace its rural character and agricultural heritage. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, including the beautiful South Llano River State Park. The county's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, including livestock, hunting, and pecan farming. With its combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and thriving rural lifestyle, Kimble County remains a charming part of Texas.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Kimble County, Texas.

  • 1850: Kimble County is created from parts of Bexar, Gillespie, and Mason counties.
  • 1869: The town of Kimbleville is established as the county seat.
  • 1873: The name of Kimbleville is changed to Junction City.
  • 1882: The town is officially incorporated as Junction City.
  • 1894: The name of Junction City is changed to Junction.
  • 1901: The Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway reaches Junction, leading to an increase in population and economic growth.
  • 1927: A devastating flood hits Junction, causing significant damage to the town.
  • 1949: The county seat is moved from Junction to its current location in Junction City.
  • 2001: The Kimble County Historical Museum opens in Junction to preserve the county's history.