Historic Courthouse

Marion County Courthouse

Jefferson, Texas

Built in 1912 in Classical Revival architectual style by architect Elmer George Withers by contractor L.R. Wright and O.L. Hitchcock.

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.

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Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Marion County, located in the eastern part of Texas, has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1860. The county was named after Francis Marion, a Revolutionary War hero known as the "Swamp Fox."

The early settlement in Marion County was primarily driven by the sawmill industry, as many settlers arrived to exploit the vast pine forests in the area. Lumber became a major source of economic growth, leading to the establishment of several sawmills and the development of a thriving logging community. However, the decline of the timber industry in the early 20th century had a significant impact on the county's economy.

During the Civil War, Marion County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Confederacy and others supporting the Union. The county saw several skirmishes between Confederate and Union forces, with the town of Jefferson acting as an important Confederate supply depot. After the war, many of the county's plantations were abandoned, and former slaves faced economic and social challenges.

In the 20th century, Marion County experienced a revival in its economy through the tourism industry. The historic town of Jefferson, with its well-preserved architecture and rich history, became a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience the charm of the Old South. Today, Marion County boasts a thriving tourism sector, attracting visitors with its historic sites, museums, festivals, and recreational activities in its beautiful natural surroundings.

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

  • 1837: Marion County is established by the Republic of Texas.
  • 1841: Jefferson is chosen as the county seat.
  • 1845: Texas becomes a state.
  • 1861-1865: Marion County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1867: Marion County votes against secession from the United States.
  • 1873: Texas and Pacific Railway completes a railroad line through the county.
  • 1905: A new courthouse is built in Jefferson.
  • 1937: The discovery of oil leads to an economic boom in the county.
  • 1969: The Texas Historical Commission designates Jefferson as a National Historic Landmark.
  • 1984: Jefferson is named the "Bed and Breakfast Capital of Texas."