Wilson County Courthouse
Floresville, TexasBuilt in 1872.
Maverick and Kroger of San Antonio built a three-room, frame courthouse in 1872. However, the county outgrew that building by 1883 and built another courthouse in 1884. (information from County Progress, October 1997).
Current status: gone/burned 1884
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.
In the early 1800s, the region that is now Wilson County was part of the DeWitt Colony, a settlement established by Green DeWitt. The area played a crucial role in the Texas Revolution, with the Battle of Refugio taking place nearby in 1836. As the conflict between Texas colonists and Mexican forces raged on, the region became a hotbed of activity and witnessed significant military actions.
Wilson County was officially established in 1860, named in honor of James Charles Wilson, a Texas state legislator who fought in the battle of San Jacinto. The county experienced rapid growth in the 19th century due to the establishment of ranching and farming communities. Cattle ranching became a prominent industry, and the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted economic development.
The county faced challenges in the 20th century, including the Great Depression, which resulted in a decline in agricultural productivity. However, the discovery of oil and gas reserves brought renewed economic prosperity to the area. Today, Wilson County is known for its diverse economy, which includes agriculture, oil and gas production, and manufacturing. The region has preserved much of its historical heritage and continues to celebrate its unique cultural and historical significance.
Wilson County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Wilson County, Texas.
- February 13, 1854 - Wilson County established by the Texas legislature
- 1856 - County seat established in Floresville
- Late 1800s - Growth in agriculture sector, primarily cotton farming
- 1902 - Construction of the Wilson County Courthouse completed
- 1930s - Economic decline due to the Great Depression
- 1940s - World War II leads to increased military presence in the area
- Mid-1960s - Oil and gas production becomes a significant industry
- 1970s - Growth in population and expansion of Floresville
- 1998 - The Floresville Peanut Festival established
- 2010 - Rapid population growth and increased development