Hopkins County Courthouse
Church and Jefferson Sts., Sulphur Springs, TXLand in Hopkins County was first patented during the period of the Texas Republic, and with the creation of the county on May 25, 1846, the town of Tarrant became the county seat. In 1871 following several boundary charges in which the county lost a portion of its area to Lamar County, the county seat was moved to Sulphur Springs.
By 1882, two courthouses had been built in Hopkins County. The third one, erected in 1882 was destroyed on February 11, 1894, by a fire that also burned the jail and several adjacent structures. On March 24, 1894, the County Commissioners' Court selected J. Riely Gordon of San Antonio as the architect for the new courthouse. The Dallas firm of Sonnafield and Emmins was awarded the construction contract.
Early in 1895, Austin architect A.0. Watson was hired to inspect the work. He admired the structure, praising it as a "very neat clean design, conventionally arranged and substantial in its general construction," but suggested additional bracing to strengthen the stonework.
The building was accepted on August 22, 1895, at a final cost of $75,000.00. A clock for the tower was petitioned for by some citizens, but the County Commissioners refused to provide funds for it.
The courthouse still serves its original function despite unsympathetic remodeling which detracts from the beauty of the original design. Examples include iron hand railings which cracked the sandstone when clamped to the stone, a wooden shed that covers the southwest entrance, and window enclosures. However, the alterations do not detract from the overall beauty of the design.
By 1882, two courthouses had been built in Hopkins County. The third one, erected in 1882 was destroyed on February 11, 1894, by a fire that also burned the jail and several adjacent structures. On March 24, 1894, the County Commissioners' Court selected J. Riely Gordon of San Antonio as the architect for the new courthouse. The Dallas firm of Sonnafield and Emmins was awarded the construction contract.
Early in 1895, Austin architect A.0. Watson was hired to inspect the work. He admired the structure, praising it as a "very neat clean design, conventionally arranged and substantial in its general construction," but suggested additional bracing to strengthen the stonework.
The building was accepted on August 22, 1895, at a final cost of $75,000.00. A clock for the tower was petitioned for by some citizens, but the County Commissioners refused to provide funds for it.
The courthouse still serves its original function despite unsympathetic remodeling which detracts from the beauty of the original design. Examples include iron hand railings which cracked the sandstone when clamped to the stone, a wooden shed that covers the southwest entrance, and window enclosures. However, the alterations do not detract from the overall beauty of the design.
Bibliography
Robinson, Willard B., and Webb, Todd, Texas Public Buildings of the Nineteenth Century, Austin, 1974.
Latimer, Truett, "Evaluation of Application for Commemorative Marker, Texas Historical Commission" (Correspondence).
Hopkins County Commissioners' Court Minutes, Vol.7
Latimer, Truett, "Evaluation of Application for Commemorative Marker, Texas Historical Commission" (Correspondence).
Hopkins County Commissioners' Court Minutes, Vol.7
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
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About Hopkins County
Hopkins County Timeline
Hopkins County, located in northeast Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee, until European settlers began arriving in the early 1800s. In 1841, the Texas Congress established Hopkins County and named it after Samuel Hopkins, a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto.
The county's development was greatly influenced by the arrival of the railroad in the late 1870s. The construction of the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, also known as the Cotton Belt Route, opened up new opportunities for trade and agriculture in the area. This led to an increase in population and the establishment of several communities, including Sulphur Springs, the county seat.
Agriculture played a significant role in the county's economy. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for growing crops such as cotton, corn, and wheat. The introduction of new farming techniques and machinery further improved productivity. In addition to agriculture, the county also had thriving industries such as dairy farming, timber harvesting, and oil and gas production.
Over the years, Hopkins County has maintained its agricultural heritage while embracing modern developments. Today, the county is known for its annual Hopkins County Fall Festival, which celebrates the community's history and culture. It also boasts numerous parks, recreational areas, and historic sites, attracting visitors from near and far. Hopkins County continues to be a vibrant and evolving community, combining its rich history with a focus on progress and growth.
The county's development was greatly influenced by the arrival of the railroad in the late 1870s. The construction of the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, also known as the Cotton Belt Route, opened up new opportunities for trade and agriculture in the area. This led to an increase in population and the establishment of several communities, including Sulphur Springs, the county seat.
Agriculture played a significant role in the county's economy. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for growing crops such as cotton, corn, and wheat. The introduction of new farming techniques and machinery further improved productivity. In addition to agriculture, the county also had thriving industries such as dairy farming, timber harvesting, and oil and gas production.
Over the years, Hopkins County has maintained its agricultural heritage while embracing modern developments. Today, the county is known for its annual Hopkins County Fall Festival, which celebrates the community's history and culture. It also boasts numerous parks, recreational areas, and historic sites, attracting visitors from near and far. Hopkins County continues to be a vibrant and evolving community, combining its rich history with a focus on progress and growth.
Hopkins County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Hopkins County, Texas.
- 1846 - Hopkins County is formed from portions of Lamar and Nacogdoches counties.
- 1849 - The county's first settlement, Tarrant, is established.
- 1870 - The city of Sulphur Springs is founded as the county seat.
- 1872 - The Texas and Pacific Railway is built through the county, boosting economic development.
- 1884 - The county courthouse, known as the "Old White Courthouse," is constructed in Sulphur Springs.
- 1961 - Lake Fork Reservoir is completed, providing a new recreational attraction for the county.
- 1985 - The city of Sulphur Springs is designated as the "World Champion Hopkins County Stew Capital."
- 2000 - The Hopkins County Veterans Memorial is dedicated to honor local veterans.