Willacy County Courthouse
Historical marker location:Several years after Willacy County formed in 1911, a courthouse was built by San Antonio Architect Henry T. Phelps in Sarita. Despite the elegant new courthouse, Sarita remained a remote, inaccessible location to many Willacy County residents.
In 1921, the 37th Legislature created the present-day Willacy County with Raymondville designated as the county seat. Early county meetings were held in the Raymondville State Bank Building, arranging for the use of a jail cage borrowed from the King Ranch. That year, the commissioners entered into an agreement with Henry T. Phelps, designer of the first Willacy County Courthouse in Sarita, for the design of the new courthouse and jail.
Phelps’ design for the new courthouse had a traditional, cross-axial plan with three floors and a basement. Entrances were provided on the four sides of the building at the ends of the crossed corridors. The first floor, accessed by monumental exterior stairs, contained the county courtroom and offices of the county judge and other officials. The second floor housed the district courtroom, jury, grand jury, consultation and witness rooms, as well as other offices. The jail was on the third floor and contained a cell room and sleeping quarters for the juries.
The historic courthouse exterior is understated with brick trimmed with cast stone ornament. Completed in 1923 by the Walker Construction Company, the courthouse became the focus of civic activities and pride among residents, hosting festivals, meetings, and community events in addition to county business and numerous high-profile cases. The courthouse was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2016
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
The area was primarily inhabited by indigenous people for centuries before European colonizers arrived in the 18th century. The Spanish explorers and missionaries had a significant influence on the region, establishing several missions and ranchos. The impact of Spanish colonization can still be seen in the county's numerous Spanish place names.
During the 19th century, settlement began to increase with the arrival of European and American settlers. Agriculture, especially cotton farming, became the backbone of the county's economy. The development of railroads in the late 1800s further encouraged growth, as transportation became more accessible. The completion of the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway in the early 1900s played a crucial role in connecting Willacy County to other parts of the state and the country, leading to further economic expansion.
In the mid-20th century, the county's economy underwent a major shift from agriculture to oil and gas production. The discovery of oil and the establishment of oil fields brought jobs and prosperity to the area. Alongside the oil industry, the county also became known for its livestock production and tourism, with its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico making it a popular vacation destination. Today, Willacy County continues to evolve, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, energy, tourism, and manufacturing.
Willacy County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Willacy County, Texas.
- 1829: Mexican land grants are awarded in the area that is now Willacy County.
- 1836: Texas gains independence from Mexico.
- 1850s: Settlers begin to establish farms and ranches in the area.
- 1856: The community of Santa Monica is established.
- 1875: The town of Willacy is founded.
- 1881: The St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway reaches the area.
- 1911: Willacy County is officially formed from parts of Cameron and Hidalgo Counties.
- 1921: A hurricane devastates the area, causing significant damage and loss of life.
- 1930s: The region experiences an economic boom due to the discovery of oil and natural gas.
- 1962: The Raymondville Detention Center is established as the first privately operated immigration detention center in the United States.