Deaf Smith County Courthouse
Hereford, TexasBuilt in 1910 in Classical Revival architectual style by architect Chamberlin and Co., Birmingham by contractor Falls City Construction Co..
Four story brick courthouse constructed of Georgia marble veneer. The building was the second marble courthouse built in the U.S. (unverified and questionable) The main faade features an classical portico with very simple columns with no capitals and a pediment rising above the fourth story with a Lone Star detail. The raised portico rests on a rusticated first floor base. The fourth floor actually rises above the decorative cornice.
1961 - windows replaced, ceilings lowered, water cooled HVAC; some wiring replaced, courtroom balcony removed, incompatible jail built in front and part of front steps removed.
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.
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
In 1876, the Texas Legislature established Deaf Smith County, named after Erastus "Deaf" Smith, a deaf mute scout and hero of the Texas Revolution. The county was officially organized in 1890 with the town of Hereford serving as the county seat. Agriculture quickly became the dominant industry, with cattle ranching and farming driving the local economy.
The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s further spurred growth in Deaf Smith County. It opened up new markets and opportunities for farmers and ranchers to transport their goods. The population grew steadily, and new towns and communities were established throughout the area.
In the 20th century, Deaf Smith County faced a series of challenges, including the Dust Bowl of the 1930s and the Great Depression. However, the county survived and rebounded with the help of federal programs and initiatives. Today, the economy of Deaf Smith County is diversified, with agriculture, manufacturing, and retail sectors contributing to its prosperity. The county's rich history and resilient spirit continue to shape its identity and pave the way for a promising future.
Deaf Smith County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Deaf Smith County, Texas.
- 1838 - Josiah Hughes Bell settles in the area, becoming the first English-speaking settler in what is now Deaf Smith County
- 1874 - The Texas Legislature officially establishes Deaf Smith County
- 1881 - The town of Hereford is founded as the county seat
- 1913 - The county experiences a major oil and gas boom, leading to rapid growth and economic prosperity
- 1929 - The Great Depression hits, causing significant economic hardship in the county
- 1935 - The Works Progress Administration (WPA) builds Palo Duro High School, the first high school in Deaf Smith County
- 1955 - Pantex, a nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility, is established in the county, becoming a major employer and economic driver
- 1969 - The Deaf Smith County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the county's history
- 1995 - The Hereford Independent School District constructs a new high school building
- 2017 - Deaf Smith County celebrates its 143rd anniversary