Historic Courthouse

Blanco County Courthouse Community Center

Blanco, Texas

Built in 1886 in Second Empire with Italianate influences architectual style by architect F.E. Ruffini by contractor Phil P. Cage &C.P Boon.

Plans originated with W.W. Larmour (of San Antonio) but were used without permission by the contractor J. H. Walker for the Tom Green County Courthouse - The supervising architect for the Tom Green County Courthouse was Oscar Ruffini who sent a copy of the plans and a photo of the courthouse to his brother Frederick Ernst Ruffini (of Austin) who in turn modified them for the Blanco County Courthouse and for contractor Captain James B. Smith who then used the Ruffini design for the Callahan County Courthouse and the Concho County Courthouse. Oscar Ruffini then reused the F. E. Ruffini plans for the Mills and Sutton County Courthouses. In the spring of 1884, the Commissioner's Court of Tom Green County appointed Oscar Ruffini as superintendent of construction for the new courthouse in San Angelo. This appointment had a dramatic effect on the Ruffinis' subsequent courthouse designs. Oscar created a duplicate set of courthouse drawings by W. W. Larmour, and sent them, along with a photograph to his brother F. E. in Austin. F. E. was so taken with the design, that he adapted the form to create his plans for the Blanco County Courthouse.
Ruffini's Blanco County Courthouse is considered one of the finest examples of 19th century courthouse design in Texas. After the building's construction, the design was so admired, it was used for the erection of the courthouses in Callahan, Concho, Mills and Sutton Counties. Tragically, Ruffini would not live to see the building completed due to his untimely death from heart disease on November 17, 1885.
The Second Empire styled courthouse is laid out on the traditional cross axial plan with wide corridors that divide the ground floor into four equal quadrants. Offices and storage spaces located in these quadrants were allocated in the original plan to the county and district clerks, sheriff, county treasurer, tax assessor, surveyor, county judge and chambers for the commissioners' court. Stairways at either side of the east-west hall rise simply to a graceful curve at the top. The second floor is occupied by an imposingly scaled courtroom and several jury rooms. Much of the historic interior detailing can be seen in the pressed metal ceilings and handsome wooden staircase.
On the exterior of the two-story stone structure, the walls are constructed with cream-colored ashlar masonry with cut stone quoins and a cut stone stringcourse which separates the two floors and forms a base for the tall narrow window openings. A wide metal cornice is carried on ornamental brackets. Above the cornice rests the mansard roof rising in three sections. Originally the roof featured framed circular dormers and metal trim which contrasted with the cornice, and mansard pavillions with wrought iron cresting accent the entry bays.
At each elevation the entrances are further emphasized by a triangular pediment. The north and south entries are flanked by projecting bays with cornices slightly higher than the adjacent wall surfaces.

1890: County seat moved to Johnson City.
1894-1902: Used as Blanco High School.
1901: Blanco County sells the courthouse and square.
1906: Blanco National Bank is formed and buys the courthouse for its office.
1920: Used as a school.
1924: Charles E. Crist purchases the building from the bank.
1932-43: Offices of the Blanco County News were in the building.
1933: Used as a bakery for the CCC.
1937-1938: Served as a hospital.
1940-1966: Served as a hospital.
1971-1973: Blanco Museum of the Early West
1976: Salt Lick restaurant opens in the courthouse
1981-86: Vacant
1986: Sold to John W. O'Boyle of Dallas. Plans are made to disassemble the building and move it to his ranch.
1991: Purchased by the Old Blanco County Courthouse Preservation Society-Roof has lost its Second Empire-style turrets.
1997/98 ISTEA Grant - exterior work

Current status: Community Center

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.

cowboys Native American
The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
Texas random facts
Blanco County, located in central Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early days of European exploration and settlement in the region. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Comanches and Lipan Apaches. In the 18th century, Spanish explorers and missionaries arrived in the area, leaving behind a few names like Blanco, which means "white" in Spanish and was inspired by the limestone bluffs along the Blanco River.

The first permanent settlements in Blanco County were established in the 1850s by pioneers attracted by the fertile land and abundant water sources. These early settlers were primarily farmers and ranchers who built thriving communities such as Blanco and Johnson City. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century brought increased prosperity and facilitated the export of agricultural products, particularly wool and livestock.

Blanco County played a significant role in the history of Texas during the 20th century. In 1905, the county seat was moved from Blanco to Johnson City, which became the birthplace of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The LBJ Ranch, where the President lived for much of his life, is now a National Historic Site that attracts visitors from around the world.

Today, Blanco County continues to thrive as a popular destination for tourism, particularly due to its scenic beauty, wineries, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The county's rich history is celebrated through various museums, monuments, and annual events that showcase its cultural heritage. Whether exploring the stunning landscapes, visiting historic sites, or experiencing the local hospitality, Blanco County offers a glimpse into the fascinating history of Texas.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Blanco County, Texas.

  • 1839 - Blanco County is established and named after the Blanco River.
  • 1850s - German immigrants begin to settle in the area, establishing farms and ranches.
  • 1855 - The town of Blanco is founded as the county seat.
  • 1860s - Blanco County becomes a center for cattle ranching and agriculture.
  • 1869 - The Blanco County Courthouse is built, which still stands today.
  • 1873 - The first public school is opened in Blanco County.
  • 1885 - The Cedar Mountain School, the first high school in the county, is founded.
  • 1891 - The Blanco County News, the first newspaper in the county, is established.
  • 1900s - The county experiences economic growth with the expansion of the railroad and the growth of the granite industry.
  • 1928 - The Pedernales Electric Cooperative is established, providing electricity to rural areas of Blanco County.
  • 1960s - Tourism becomes an important industry in Blanco County, with visitors attracted to the scenic beauty and outdoor activities.
  • 1997 - The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is established, preserving the home and ranch of the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson.