Historic Courthouse

Starr County Courthouse

Rio Grande City, Texas

Built in 1854.

Current status: existing

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.
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Starr County is located in the southwestern part of Texas, near the Mexican border. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, such as the Caddo, Coahuiltecan, and Lipan Apache, before being colonized by European explorers. In the late 1700s, Spanish settlers arrived in the region and established several ranches and missions.

During the 19th century, Starr County played a significant role in the Texas Revolution and the Mexican-American War. It was a site of numerous conflicts between Texan settlers and Mexican forces, leading to the establishment of Fort Ringgold in Rio Grande City as a means of protection. The county was officially created in 1848, named after James Harper Starr, the Secretary of the Treasury under the Republic of Texas.

Farming and ranching became the primary economic activities in Starr County during the 20th century. The introduction of irrigation systems in the early 1900s allowed for the cultivation of citrus fruits, vegetables, and cotton. The county also became known for its cattle ranches and oil production. However, the region faced challenges, including droughts, economic fluctuations, and the impact of the Mexican Revolution.

In recent years, Starr County has experienced population growth and development, with advancements in education, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure. The area continues to rely on agriculture and ranching, as well as tourism from visitors interested in its historical and cultural heritage. Despite its location near the border, Starr County maintains a strong sense of community and remains an important part of Texas' history.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Starr County, Texas.

  • 1848: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War and brings the area under US control.
  • 1849: Starr County is established by the Texas legislature.
  • 1850s: The county experiences a surge in population due to the ranching and farming opportunities in the area.
  • 1861: Texas secedes from the Union, and Starr County supports the Confederacy during the Civil War.
  • 1865: Civil War ends, and Starr County is reintegrated into the Union.
  • 1870s-1880s: The county's economy grows with the expansion of the railroad and the arrival of new settlers.
  • 1900: A devastating hurricane hits the region, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1919: Oil is discovered in the county, leading to the development of oil fields and boosting the local economy.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression impacts the county, causing economic hardships for many residents.
  • 1960s: The Chicano Movement gains momentum in Starr County, advocating for equal rights and social change for Mexican Americans.
  • 1990s: Maquiladoras (border factories) become an important part of the county's economy, providing employment opportunities.