National Register Listing

Tarrant County Courthouse

Bounded by Houston, Belknap, Weatherford, and Commerce Sts., Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth, now a booming center for railroads, cattle, and oil began as an army outpost on the Trinity River. The fort was established June 6, 1849, to help protect settlers against Indian raids; until 1853 it was the northern anchor of the army's first chain of forts across Texas. Fort Worth was named for General William Jenkins Worth, a participant in the wars of 1812 and 1846, and commander of troops in Texas. The county, created only five months after the fort was established, and attesting to its effectiveness in attracting and protecting settlers, was named for General Edward H. Tarrant, an Indian fighter and one-time member of the Texas Congress. Between 1849 and 1856, Fort Worth and nearby Birdville vied for the title of county seat. Eventually, Fort Worth won the contest, but only after charges of trickery and subterfuge. Construction of a county courthouse was delayed until after the Civil War. The building was completed in 1866, but it burned in a fire in 1876 which destroyed all county documents. A second Courthouse, built during 1876 and 1877, was razed in 1894. In 1893, the County Commissioners Court voted to spend $500,000 in the construction of a new courthouse. The size and elegance of the building reflected Fort Worth's increasing wealth of the 1880s and 1890s; perhaps it also reflected the Commissioners' concern with the city's enormous crime problem. The Commissioners hired Kansas City architects Gunn and Curtis; they placed the construction contract with Probst of Chicago. Work began in 1893, and ended in 1895 with a domed Renaissance Revival building of red Texas granite. It included four floors and a basement, and closely resembled the Texas State Capitol at Austin. The main pavilion was, however, more ornate than that of the Capitol. Total cost of the courthouse was $408,840, and the citizens were so scandalized by the immensity and cost that they voted every member of the Commissioner's Court out of office at the next election. Today, the courthouse is an appropriate size for the needs of Tarrant County, and one of the few changes has been the addition of a new civil Courts Building. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark 1969.
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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Texas random facts
Tarrant County, Texas, has a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. The area was initially inhabited by indigenous tribes before European exploration and settlement. In the mid-19th century, the region became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico.

Tarrant County was established in 1849 and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader during the Texas Revolution. The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the 19th century, fueled by factors such as the expansion of railroads, cattle ranching, and the discovery of oil.

During the 20th century, Tarrant County continued to flourish and adapt to changing times. It became an important hub for transportation, commerce, and industry. The county's largest city, Fort Worth, emerged as a major center for cattle trading and eventually diversified into a vibrant economic and cultural hub.

Today, Tarrant County is one of the most populous counties in Texas, encompassing Fort Worth and several other cities and communities. It boasts a diverse economy, encompassing sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Tarrant County is also home to renowned educational institutions, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities, making it a dynamic and thriving region within the state.

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

  • Pre-19th Century: The area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Wichita and Comanche, before European settlement.

  • 1849: Tarrant County was officially established and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader in the Republic of Texas.

  • 1850s: Fort Worth, the county seat, began as a military outpost on the Trinity River, providing protection for settlers and serving as a stop on the Chisholm Trail cattle drive route.

  • Late 19th Century: The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s spurred economic growth in Fort Worth and the county. The city became a center for the cattle industry, agriculture, and trade.

  • 20th Century: Tarrant County experienced significant urbanization and diversification. Fort Worth became a major hub for the oil and gas industry, aviation, and defense with the establishment of military bases.

  • Civil Rights Era: Tarrant County, like many regions in the United States, faced challenges and changes during the civil rights movement, with efforts to achieve racial equality and social progress.

  • Modern Times: Tarrant County continues to thrive as a major economic and cultural center in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, and education.