Archer County Courthouse and Jail
Public Sq. and Sycamore and Pecan Sts., Archer City, TXBoth the courthouse and the jail possess county architectural significance. Representative of determined efforts to have law and governmental organization on a lonely frontier, at the turn of the century, they were remarkable achievements in West Texas. Then, as of now, they were the focal points of the community and were the strongest architectural expressions to be found in Archer County. The courthouse was designed by one of the most active and talented nineteenth-century architects in West Texas, A. N. Dawson. In addition, the jail is noteworthy for the structural technology represented in construction incorporating steel and concrete.
The design of the courthouse is the product of an architectural competition. On March 10, 1891, the Commissioners' Court of Archer County ordered the publication of invitations to architects to submit plans for a new courthouse to cost not less than $25,000 nor more than $35,000. On April 16, 1891, after having examined twenty-five sets of plans and specifications, A.N. Dawson of Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded the commission to develop detailed plans and specifications. Two months later the contract between the county and the contractors, J. S. DeWees and Jacob Rath, of Throckmorton, Texas, was signed. The contract amount was $32,500.
The Archer County Courthouse is a good example of style incorporating Romanesque Revival design features. Ashlar masonry and Roman arches all contribute to the visual strength of the style of this temple of justice.
Local significance of the building:
The design of the courthouse is the product of an architectural competition. On March 10, 1891, the Commissioners' Court of Archer County ordered the publication of invitations to architects to submit plans for a new courthouse to cost not less than $25,000 nor more than $35,000. On April 16, 1891, after having examined twenty-five sets of plans and specifications, A.N. Dawson of Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded the commission to develop detailed plans and specifications. Two months later the contract between the county and the contractors, J. S. DeWees and Jacob Rath, of Throckmorton, Texas, was signed. The contract amount was $32,500.
The Archer County Courthouse is a good example of style incorporating Romanesque Revival design features. Ashlar masonry and Roman arches all contribute to the visual strength of the style of this temple of justice.
Engineering; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
About National Register Listings
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.
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
About Archer County
Archer County Timeline
Archer County, located in northern Texas, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The area was originally home to various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Wichita. Spanish explorers began to venture into the region in the 18th century, followed by American settlers in the 19th century.
The county was officially established in 1858 and named after Branch Tanner Archer, a Texas commissioner to the United States. During the mid-1800s, the region became a hotspot for ranching and cattle drives, with several cattle trails passing through Archer County, such as the Chisholm Trail and the Western Trail. This era contributed to the growth of small towns and the development of the agriculture industry.
In the late 1800s, the discovery of oil fields in the region brought significant economic growth and prosperity to Archer County. Oil wells were drilled, and industries related to the oil business, such as refineries, were established. The oil boom transformed Archer County from a primarily agricultural area into a thriving petroleum hub.
Throughout the 20th century, Archer County experienced ups and downs in its economic growth, with fluctuations in the oil industry affecting the local economy. However, the county has maintained its rural character and has continued to be a hub for agriculture, ranching, and oil production. Today, Archer County is known for its picturesque landscapes, small towns, and historical sites that showcase its vibrant past.
The county was officially established in 1858 and named after Branch Tanner Archer, a Texas commissioner to the United States. During the mid-1800s, the region became a hotspot for ranching and cattle drives, with several cattle trails passing through Archer County, such as the Chisholm Trail and the Western Trail. This era contributed to the growth of small towns and the development of the agriculture industry.
In the late 1800s, the discovery of oil fields in the region brought significant economic growth and prosperity to Archer County. Oil wells were drilled, and industries related to the oil business, such as refineries, were established. The oil boom transformed Archer County from a primarily agricultural area into a thriving petroleum hub.
Throughout the 20th century, Archer County experienced ups and downs in its economic growth, with fluctuations in the oil industry affecting the local economy. However, the county has maintained its rural character and has continued to be a hub for agriculture, ranching, and oil production. Today, Archer County is known for its picturesque landscapes, small towns, and historical sites that showcase its vibrant past.
Archer County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Archer County, Texas.
- 1800s: Archer County originally inhabited by various Native American tribes.
- 1874: Archer County officially established and named after Branch Tanner Archer, a Texas statesman.
- Late 1800s: Ranching and farming become the primary economic activities in Archer County.
- 1886: The Wichita Falls and Northwestern Railway reaches Archer City, the county seat.
- 1890s: Oil is discovered in Archer County, leading to the growth of the petroleum industry.
- 1919: Archer County experiences a population boom due to the oil boom in the region.
- 1926: The discovery of the Electra oilfield in Archer County leads to increased oil extraction and economic prosperity.
- 1930s: The Great Depression negatively impacts Archer County as oil prices plummet and businesses suffer.
- 1950s: Archer County experiences another oil boom, bringing economic growth and development.
- 1970s: Agriculture continues to be a significant contributor to Archer County's economy, with cattle and wheat production flourishing.
- 2000s: Archer County's economy diversifies with the growth of healthcare, education, and other service sectors.
- Present: Archer County remains a rural community with a mixture of oil and agriculture as key industries, while also supporting tourism and outdoor recreational activities.