National Register Listing

Throckmorton County Courthouse and Jail

Public Sq. and Chestnut St., Throckmorton, TX
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

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.

law courthouses buildings
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
Texas random facts
Throckmorton County, located in central Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally occupied by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Wichita, who lived off the land and utilized the abundant natural resources.

European settlers began arriving in the 1850s, establishing small communities and ranches. The county was officially formed in 1858 and named after James W. Throckmorton, who was a former governor of Texas. The economy primarily revolved around agriculture, especially cattle ranching, with large ranches like the 6666 Ranch becoming integral to the county's identity.

During the American Civil War, Throckmorton County was mostly sympathizers of the Confederacy. In the aftermath of the war, the area faced significant challenges, including conflicts with Native American tribes and the decline of the cattle industry. However, the discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought renewed prosperity and economic growth.

Today, Throckmorton County continues to be a rural community with an emphasis on agriculture, oil, and gas. Agriculture remains an important industry, with ranching and farming contributing to the local economy. The county is also a popular destination for hunting and outdoor recreational activities, thanks to its diverse wildlife and expansive natural landscapes. Throckmorton County's history is deeply intertwined with the westward expansion of Texas and its vibrant heritage is celebrated by its residents today.

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

  • 1858: Throckmorton County established
  • 1879: First post office opens in Throckmorton
  • 1881: First railroad, Wichita Valley Railway, reaches Throckmorton
  • 1886: Throckmorton County courthouse constructed
  • 1920s: Oil boom brings economic growth
  • 1930: Lake Throckmorton constructed for water supply
  • 1961: Interstate 20 built, enhancing transportation
  • 1990s: Decline in oil industry affects the economy