Historic Courthouse

Shackelford County Courthouse

Albany, Texas

Built in 1883 in Second Empire architectual style by architect James E. Flanders by contractor C. Harris & Co., Seymour (defaulted), then Edgar Rye.

J. E. Flanders of Dallas, Texas designed the Shackelford County Courthouse, and Edgar Rye built it in 1883, using native limestone. This Second Empire style courthouse is a rectilinear design, with the north and south facade broken into a five-part composition with a central entrance pavilion and the east and west facade divided into a three-part composition. The corner pavilions as well as the central pavilions have finely dressed quoins that contrast to the rough-faced ashlar of the walls. The courthouse features a dressed water table and two stringcourses that encircle the building at the level of the window sills of the second and third story. Most of the windows feature smooth cut segmental arches with an exaggerated keystone and end voussoirs. The first floor windows display a smooth cut abutment. The arrangement on the central entrance pavilions differs from that of the rest of the building: the arched entryway, with a decorative keystone and spandrels, is formed by smooth cut pilasters topped with a stone cornice and a triangular pediment. Above the entrance porch are side-by-side circular arched windows with smooth cut arches and sills. Two small square windows outlined with smooth stone are located on the third floor level of the entrance pavilion and sit beneath the date of the building, "1883," also in smooth stone. A cornice and a triangular pediment top the pavilions. The third floor of the east and west facade features a small semicircular window in the center of the third floor level. A hipped roof covers the main part of the courthouse, while the four corner pavilions have hipped roofs with a small gable. The wide overhang of the cornice is supported by large consoles with modillions in series between them. The roof of the present structure is clad in copper. Each corner pavilion is surmounted by a small catwalk surrounded by an ornamental iron fence. A similar but higher railing serves a walkway around the base of the clock tower. The clock tower is divided into three sections: the first section has a circular arched window on each side and is topped by a cornice; the clock, topped by a decorative drip molding, is on the second level; the third level houses the bell and is topped by a steep pyramidal roof. Five chimneys also extend from the top of the building; they are made of dressed stone and once formed outlets for the flues of the stoves that were once required to heat the building. These stoves no longer exist. Another example of the excellent stone cutting, which should not be overlooked, are the huge splash blocks at the base of the downspouts.

In 1982-3 original woodwork was restored.- ISTEA Grant - replace external a/c units and repair external damage done by the units; install of exterior lighting for courthouse; install new copper roof and cleaning, stripping, and repairing of clock tower; repair, recaulk, and paint courthouse exterior; repair and replace windows as necessary; landscape and install sprinkler; repair and replace metal grates around the foundation. Completed August 1997.

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.

ranching houses residential buildings business design and construction
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
Texas random facts
Shackelford County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The County was officially established in 1858 and named after Dr. John Shackelford, a prominent Texas soldier and statesman.

The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Comanche and Kiowa. However, it was eventually settled by European settlers in the mid-1800s, who sought fertile land for ranching and farming. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century further boosted the local economy and brought new opportunities for growth.

During the Civil War, Shackelford County witnessed significant military activities. Confederate troops were stationed in the area, and the county saw skirmishes and battles between local troops and Union forces. After the war, the County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery, as settlers worked to rebuild their communities and infrastructure.

In the early 20th century, Shackelford County was predominantly an agricultural and ranching community. However, the discovery of oil in the region in the 1920s transformed the local economy. Oil wells and refineries were established, attracting new industries and jobs to the area. The County experienced a period of prosperity and development during this time.

Today, Shackelford County continues to be a vibrant community with a thriving agriculture industry, supported by ranching, farming, and oil production. Its rich history is preserved and celebrated through various historical sites and museums, offering visitors and locals a glimpse into the county's past.

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

  • 1858 - Shackelford County is created by the Texas Legislature from portions of Bosque, Travis, and Young counties.
  • 1874 - The first settlers begin arriving in the area.
  • 1875 - Fort Griffin is established as a U.S. Army outpost.
  • 1878 - The county seat is moved from Fort Griffin to Albany.
  • 1880 - The Texas Central Railroad extends its line to Albany, boosting the local economy.
  • 1883 - The town of Moran is founded.
  • 1900 - Oil and gas is discovered, leading to an economic boom in the county.
  • 1940 - World War II brings an increase in military activity to the area.
  • 1979 - The Shackelford County Historical Commission is established to preserve the county's history.
  • 2000 - The population of Shackelford County reaches its peak, with over 3,300 residents.