Historic Courthouse

Titus County Courthouse

Mount Pleasant, Texas

Built in 1895/1940 in Modern architectual style.

Original 1895 building constructed of brick with central clock tower. Italianate and castellated features.

Building modernized in 1940 to Art Deco appearance. In 1970s, building was sheathed in metal, and known as 'state's ugliest courthouse.' 1991 renovations removed metal sheath, used dry-vit over stucco, and installed bronze anodized aluminum windows.

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
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Texas random facts
Titus County, located in Northeast Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, such as the Caddo and Cherokee, before European explorers arrived. In the early 1800s, settlers began to establish settlements in the area, and by the mid-1800s, the region became known as Titus County.

In the early years, the county was predominantly agricultural, with cotton being the primary crop. The development of transportation infrastructure, such as railroads and roads, played a significant role in the county's growth and success. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce, leading to the growth of towns such as Mount Pleasant, the county seat.

During the Civil War, Titus County, like many areas in Texas, was deeply affected by the conflict. Many residents joined the Confederate army, and the county faced economic hardships as a result. After the war, the region slowly recovered, and the economy diversified to include industries such as timber, oil, and manufacturing.

In the 20th century, Titus County continued to grow and develop. The discovery of oil in the 1930s brought significant prosperity to the county, attracting new industries and boosting the local economy. Today, Titus County remains a vibrant community with a diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The county has also worked to preserve its historical heritage, with several historical sites and museums showcasing its rich past.

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

  • 1846 - Titus County is established as a county in the Republic of Texas.
  • 1852 - The county seat is established in the town of Mount Pleasant.
  • Late 1800s - The county experiences significant growth due to the arrival of railroads.
  • 1900s - Agriculture becomes a major industry in Titus County, with cotton, corn, and livestock farming dominating the economy.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression leads to economic hardships in the county.
  • Mid-1900s - Titus County experiences a period of industrial growth, attracting manufacturing companies to the area.
  • 1970s - The county's economy shifts towards services, government, and trade.
  • 1984 - Lake Bob Sandlin State Park is established, becoming a popular recreational area for residents and visitors.
  • 2000s - Titus County continues to grow, attracting new businesses and investments.