National Register Listing

Denton County Courthouse

Public Sq., Denton, TX
The Denton County Courthouse possesses both architectural and historic significance. In Romanesque style, one of Texas' most prominent nineteenth-century architects created a building with extraordinary richness incorporating a combination of forms that is similar in concept to many other courthouses but unique in composition. Since the founding of Denton, the public square on which this temple of justice is located has been the focus of political activities in the county and the present courthouse has been the center of local government for three-quarters of a century.

Denton, the county seat of Denton County, was established in 1857 and named, as was the county, in honor of John B. Denton, whose remains are buried on the courthouse lawn. On a hundred acres of land donated by Hiram Cisco, William Loving and William Woodruff, the fourth county seat of Denton County were established and lots were sold at public auction on January 10, 1857. The first courthouse was a frame building on the. north side of the square. It burned in 1875 and was replaced by a brick structure designed and built by J.H. Britton in 1876-1877. The building was located in the center of the town square.

After twenty years of service, this structure ceased to be satisfactory and public pressure mounted for the construction of a new courthouse. On February 16, 1895, the Fort Worth Daily Gazette reported that "several parties secreted on the upper stairway supplies of barrels, coal scuttles, bricks and the like, and at a given signal turned them all loose down the stairs creating a fearful state of mind of those familiar with the conditions of things."

On July 3, 1895, the Commissioners' Court authorized the construction of a new building specifying "the Romanesque style of Architecture for the Denton County Courthouse as shown in the design prepared by Architect J. R. Gordon." A subsequent study of Gordon's plans resulted in his discharge for some reason not recorded. The commission was then awarded to architect W.C. Dodson who was ordered to prepare plans, specifications and details, as well as to supervise construction by contractor Tom Lovell. Dodson was to receive a 5% commission based on the cost of the building which was $100,000.00.

Completed in 1896, the courthouse continues to serve its original function.
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

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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Denton County, Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes before European settlers arrived. In the mid-1800s, the area experienced rapid growth and development as pioneers and immigrants began to establish permanent settlements.

Denton County was officially established in 1846 and named after John B. Denton, a prominent figure in Texas history. The county played a significant role in the early days of Texas statehood and witnessed the challenges and triumphs of westward expansion.

Throughout the 19th century, Denton County thrived due to the expansion of railroads and the arrival of new settlers. Agriculture, particularly the production of cotton, became a key economic driver. Educational institutions, such as the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University, were founded in Denton County during this period, establishing a legacy of academic excellence.

In the 20th century, Denton County continued to evolve. The discovery of oil in the area brought new economic opportunities, and the county experienced further growth and urbanization. Today, Denton County is a dynamic and thriving region with a diverse economy that includes sectors such as education, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Denton County, Texas.

  • Native American Inhabitation: Before European settlement, Denton County was home to various Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Tonkawa.

  • Anglo-American Settlement: In the mid-1800s, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive, drawn by the fertile land and prospects for farming and ranching. The Peters Colony, a land grant company, played a significant role in attracting these settlers.

  • County Formation: Denton County was officially established in 1846, named after John B. Denton, a prominent preacher and soldier who died during the Texas Revolution.

  • Growth and Development: The county's growth accelerated with the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, leading to the establishment of towns such as Denton, Lewisville, and Frisco. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became a key economic driver in the region.

  • Education: Denton County became an educational hub with the founding of the University of North Texas (formerly known as North Texas Normal College) in 1890. The university has since grown into a major educational institution.

  • Modernization and Urbanization: In the 20th century, Denton County experienced suburban growth and industrial development, especially with the expansion of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The county's population has steadily increased, and it is now one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas.