Historic Courthouse

Pecos County Courthouse

Fort Stockton, Texas

Built in 1883.

Current status: existing / part of 1912

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 University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
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Pecos County, located in western Texas, has a rich and varied history. The area now known as Pecos County was home to Native American tribes, including the Comanches and Apaches, before European settlers arrived. In the 18th century, Spanish explorers ventured into the region, mapping the land and establishing trade routes. One of the first Spanish expeditions to reach the area was led by Pedro de Rivera, who explored the Rio Grande and Pecos River valleys.

In the 19th century, the United States began to exert its influence over the region. Pecos County was officially established in 1871 and named after the Pecos River, which runs through the area. The county's first settlements were primarily ranching communities, as the land was well-suited for raising cattle. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further stimulated the region's economy, as it provided a means of transporting goods and boosted trade.

During the early 1900s, Pecos County experienced an oil boom, which brought economic prosperity to the area. With the discovery of oil, towns like Fort Stockton and Iraan thrived, as oil companies and their workers flocked to the region. The oil industry continues to play a significant role in Pecos County's economy to this day.

Pecos County also holds historic significance in the realm of ranching. The county was home to some of the most prominent ranches in Texas, including the 06 Ranch and the Chisum Ranch, both of which were owned by influential cattlemen. Ranching remains an important part of Pecos County's heritage, with many working ranches still in operation. Today, Pecos County continues to preserve its diverse history while looking toward the future with a focus on sustainable agriculture, oil production, and tourism.

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

  • Paleo-Indian tribes inhabit the area now known as Pecos County.
  • Comanche tribes settle in the region.
  • 1849: The U.S. Army establishes Fort Stockton to protect travelers on the San Antonio-El Paso Road.
  • 1856: Pecos County is officially formed from parts of Bexar and Presidio counties.
  • 1880s: The discovery of oil and natural gas leads to the rapid growth of the county's economy.
  • 1881: The town of Fort Stockton becomes the county seat.
  • Early 1900s: The Texas and Pacific Railway helps facilitate further economic development in the county.
  • 1909: The legendary Judge Roy Bean dies in Langtry, a small community in Pecos County.
  • Mid-1900s: The county's economy shifts from agriculture and ranching to oil and gas production.
  • 1980s: Pecos County experiences a boom in oil production due to drilling technology advancements.
  • Present: Pecos County continues to be an important hub for oil and gas production in West Texas.