Historic Courthouse

McCulloch County Courthouse

Brady, Texas

Built in 1879 in Italianate architectual style by architect Fredrick Ernst Ruffini by contractor John McDonald (of Austin).

Square-plan, 2 story, stone, F. E. Ruffini claims to have designed this building but apparantly did not supervise its construction - Ruffini may have sold his design to the contractor John McDonald of Austin.

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.

Colonial Revival (architectural style) houses residential buildings
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Texas random facts
McCulloch County is located in central Texas and was named after Benjamin McCulloch, a prominent figure in the Texas Revolution and the Confederate Army. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Lipan Apache and Comanche before settlers arrived in the 1850s. In 1856, the county was officially established and Brady became the county seat.

During the Civil War, McCulloch County experienced its share of conflict as it was close to the western frontier. Many residents sympathized with the Confederacy, and Confederate troops were stationed in the area for defense. After the war, the county saw an influx of settlers from other parts of Texas and the United States. Agriculture, particularly farming and ranching, played a significant role in the county's economy during this time.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought several advancements to McCulloch County. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s spurred economic growth and allowed for easier transportation of goods. This led to the establishment of cotton gins, lumber mills, and other industries in the area. The county also saw the development of schools, churches, and other community institutions.

In the modern era, McCulloch County continues to thrive as a rural community with a strong agricultural presence. It is known for its scenic beauty, including Brady Lake and the surrounding Hill Country. The county also celebrates its history and culture through events such as the Heart of Texas Country Music Festival and the McCulloch County Stock Show. Today, McCulloch County preserves its heritage while embracing the opportunities of the 21st century.

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

  • 1852 - McCulloch County is established.
  • 1856 - First settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1859 - Fort McKavett is built to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
  • 1873 - Brady becomes the county seat.
  • 1886 - San Saba and Northern Railway reaches Brady, boosting economic growth.
  • 1900 - Brady receives electric power and telephone services.
  • 1903 - St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church is established in Brady.
  • 1910 - The Brady Lake Reservoir is constructed.
  • 1913 - Brady National Bank, one of the first banks in the county, is founded.
  • 1928 - The Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo begins in Brady.
  • 1936 - McCulloch County Airport is built.
  • 1984 - The Heart of Texas Historical Museum opens in Brady.
  • 1997 - Brady Creek Wind Farm, one of the largest wind farms in Texas, is built.