Anderson County Courthouse
1 Public Sq., Palestine, TXAnderson County Courthouse is a Beaux Arts style courthouse built in 1914. It is the third courthouse to serve Anderson County. It is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places at the statewide level of significance under Criterion C in the area of Architecture. The period of significance is the construction date of 1914.
Both the Classical Revival and Beaux Arts styles were very popular courthouse designs throughout the state. The Anderson County Courthouse is a variation of a typical Beaux Arts plan. It is formally organized, bi-axial and has a central rotunda that provides a focus. Typical exterior Beaux Arts treatment of the elevations include a heavy rusticated base with raised projecting porticos and a connecting balustrade above the cornice. The Classical Revival styling is evident in the bold simplicity of all the elements, decorative and structural, that make up the facade. At its completion the courthouse was the most significant and important building in the county. It was dedicated by the commissioners on December 20, 1914, and cost approximately $250,000. Sub-contractors included A.M. Burnes, Palestine (heating, plumbing and vacuum cleaner system); Wm. A. Carro & Co., St. Louis (electrical wiring); Egan Fixture Co., Dallas (electric fixtures); Ben Sarvis, Palestine (painting), Wisconsin White Oak, Ingram Mill Co. (woodwork); Mosher Mfg. Co., Dallas (cast iron stairs and dome); Dixie Heating & Ventilating Co. (roofing and dome structure); J. Desco & Son, Dallas (marble); E. Oats, Dallas (stone columns); Hodges Furniture Co., Palestine (wooden furniture); Art Metal Construction Co. (steel furniture); Houston Car wheel & Machine Co. (bronze tables); Gilbert Mfg. Co., Dallas (steel window frames); Swann Furniture Co., Palestine (U.S. Battleship linoleum and shades). The Anderson County Courthouse is a strong reminder of Palestine's early 20th century prominence as a transportation and agribusiness center and as the center of government of a developing community. The courthouse building was successful in projecting a sophisticated image of county government. Its siting, large size, massing and skillfully articulated detailing make this building one of the most notable in its region. It is also one of few extant Classical Revival style buildings of this caliber in the state.
Bibliography
Austin: Its Architects and Architecture. 1836-1986, Austin: Austin Chapter, American Institute of Architects.
Calcote, Lynn, Lanelle Williamson, and Dora Schmidt, A History of Anderson County Courthouse, (unpublished).
County Courthouse History, (no author), Palestine: Dogwood Trails.
Lone Star State Book, Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co., 1893.
Neyland, James, "Anderson County and Its Courthouses," The Junior Historian Magazine, January 1957.
Once Around the Square; A History of the Anderson Countv Courthouse and The Old Town of Palestine, Texas, unpublished manuscript.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. Application file, 1988. Texas Historical Commission, Austin, Texas.
Robinson, Willard B., The People's Architecture; Texas Courthouses, Jails, and Municipal Buildings, Austin: Texas State Historical Association, 1983.
Souvenir Program of the Dedication of Anderson County Courthouse, December 20, 1914.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
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.
The county's economy flourished with the arrival of immigrants from the United States and Europe, who established plantations and worked in the timber industry. The town of Palestine, the county seat, developed as a vibrant agricultural center, known for its cotton production. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economic growth. However, Anderson County also had its share of challenges.
Like many other areas of Texas, it witnessed tensions and conflicts during the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. Reconstruction was a difficult period for the county, as it endured economic decline and political instability.
In the 20th century, Anderson County experienced significant changes and modernization. The discovery of oil reserves in the early 1930s brought economic prosperity to the region. The establishment of the Texas Department of Corrections in the county in 1849 also played a major role in shaping the county's history, as it became home to several state prisons and correctional facilities. Today, Anderson County is known for its diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
The region's rich history is evident in its numerous historic sites and landmarks, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in Texas history and culture.
Anderson County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Anderson County, Texas.
- 1836: Anderson County is established on March 24, 1836, as one of the original counties of the Republic of Texas.
- 1838: The town of Palestine is established as the county seat of Anderson County.
- 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, the county's economy is severely affected, and many locals serve in the Confederate Army.
- Late 1800s: The arrival of the railroad in Palestine brings growth and development to Anderson County, making it an important transportation hub.
- Early 1900s: The discovery of oil in the area leads to an economic boom, with various oil fields and refineries being established.
- 1930-1940: The Great Depression and the drought of the 1930s bring significant challenges to Anderson County, leading to decreased economic activity and population decrease.
- Late 20th century: Anderson County experiences shifts in its economy with the decline of the oil industry. Agriculture becomes an important sector, with the county known for its timber, poultry, and cattle production.
- 2000s: Anderson County continues to strive for economic growth and development, focusing on diversified industries, including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.