Bexar County Courthouse
Main Plaza, San Antonio, TXThe Bexar County Courthouse is a Romanesque Revival building designed by J. Riely Gordon and built between 1892 and 1896. It is a four-story and basement structure of Texas granite and red sandstone. It has been especially designed with reference to the peculiarities of this climate. The open court on the east has been designed for the purpose of securing the prevailing southeast breeze.
The Courthouse proved adequate as constructed for only twenty years. In 1914, the construction of a five-story addition on the south side of the building was begun. Architects for this work were Leo M. J. Dielmann and Charles T. Boelhauwe. The structure was completed in 1915. H.N, Jones Construction Company served as contractor.
It was not until June, 1926, that the Courthouse underwent a major remodeling. Architects were Phelps and Dewees and Emmett T. Jackson and George Willis. E. Simpson Company was the engineering firm, and Walsh and Burney the general contractors. A fifth story was added to the center of the building, and a new roof constructed. Two wings were added to the west side. As in the 1914 work, the same granite and sandstone of the original structure were used. Tile flooring was installed in public spaces, and cork floors in courtrooms and libraries. The entire structure was artificially heated and cooled, an innovation for the time. The steel beams and masonry arches of the original structure were removed, and a reinforced concrete frame used.
The 1926 remodeling unfortunately destroyed the east side patio, one of the building's finest features. This work was completed in October, 1928, and brought the overall dimensions of the Courthouse to 400 feet long and 140 feet wide.
The Courthouse remained intact for almost fifty years. Then in 1963, a new addition to the Sheriff's Department was made, and two courtrooms added on the second floor. In 1970, a $2,600,000 project was undertaken to modernize and expand the entire structure. An addition of 24,000 square feet was made to the southwest corner of the building. Central air conditioning and heat were installed as well as new plumbing and wiring. Edward R. Gondeck was architect for both projects. Hilmer Uhr served as contractor for the 1963 work, and Wallace L. Boldt for the 1972 work. In neither of these additions was the same use of materials of the original structure made, and a major portion of the west side of the building was destroyed in the 1972 work.
The most recent work was done in 1973 when a law library was constructed under the roof, creating a sixth story on top of the old library. This work was done at the cost of $124,000. Architects for the project were Jack Peterson and John Williams.
The entire courthouse square containing the 19th century court-house and jail is being nominated to the National Register, but the 1956 jail is not considered a historic resource.
Bibliography
Gordon, James Riely, Sketches from the Portfolio of James Riely Gordon, Architect, San Antonio, Texas, A.B. Benesch.
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.
During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo took place, where a small group of Texan defenders valiantly fought against Mexican forces. Although the defenders ultimately lost, their bravery and sacrifice galvanized the Texan cause. Soon after, the Republic of Texas was established, and Bexar County was officially created in 1837, named after San Antonio de Béxar.
Bexar County played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became part of the United States when Texas joined as the 28th state in 1845. The county saw significant growth with the construction of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the influx of European immigrants. In 1968, HemisFair '68 brought international attention to the county, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors from around the world. Today, Bexar County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, robust military presence, renowned healthcare institutions, and prestigious educational establishments.
Bexar County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bexar County, Texas.
Pre-19th Century: The region that would become Bexar County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache.
1718: The Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, in what is now downtown San Antonio. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the area.
1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region came under Mexican control.
1836: The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against Mexican forces. Though the defenders were ultimately defeated, their resistance became a symbol of Texas independence.
1837: The Republic of Texas officially established Bexar County, naming it after San Antonio de Béxar, the former Spanish name for the area.
1845: Texas joined the United States as the 28th state.
1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Bexar County remained part of the Confederacy.
Late 19th-early 20th century: The county saw growth and development with the expansion of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the arrival of European immigrants.
1968: HemisFair '68, a world's fair, was held in San Antonio, bringing national and international attention to the city and the county.