Historic Courthouse

Leon County Courthouse

Centerville, Texas

Built in 1851.

Built for a cost of $2,200.00, it was a two story frame structure with projections on each side. 40' x 40',.

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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The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
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Leon County, Texas has a rich and diverse history that begins with the Native American tribes who originally inhabited the region. These tribes, including the Caddo and Atakapa, lived off the land and utilized the plentiful natural resources of the area. The first European settlers arrived in the 1830s, drawn by the fertile soil and abundant wildlife. In 1846, Leon County was officially established, named after the Mexican War hero Juan Ponce de León.

During the mid-19th century, Leon County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s brought even more settlers to the area, and towns such as Centerville and Buffalo began to flourish. Agriculture played a vital role in the county's economy, with cotton, corn, and cattle being the main products. The county also became known for its timber industry, as vast forests provided ample resources for logging.

In the early 20th century, Leon County faced economic challenges due to the decline of the cotton industry and the Great Depression. However, the advent of improved road networks and the establishment of electric power brought some revitalization to the region. The construction of Lake Limestone in the 1970s provided a new recreational and economic opportunity for the county.

Today, Leon County maintains its agricultural heritage while also embracing modern developments. The county is home to a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. Its natural beauty, with its rolling hills and tranquil lakes, continues to attract visitors from near and far. With a strong sense of community and a resilient spirit, Leon County preserves its past while embracing the future.

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

  • 1835: Leon County is created and named after Martín De León, a Mexican empresario.
  • 1836: The Battle of Nacogdoches takes place during the Texas Revolution.
  • 1837: The county seat is established in Leona.
  • 1841: Centerville becomes the new county seat.
  • 1861: Texas secedes from the United States and joins the Confederate States of America.
  • 1870: The International-Great Northern Railroad is built through Leon County.
  • 1883: The Houston & Texas Central Railroad extends its line to Centerville.
  • 1927: The Texas oil boom reaches Leon County.
  • 1950: The population of the county reaches its peak at around 22,000.
  • 1998: The county is hit by a severe tornado, causing significant damage.
  • 2021: Leon County continues to be a rural community with a focus on agriculture and outdoor recreational activities.