Historic Courthouse

Brewster County Courthouse

Alpine, Texas

Built in 1888 in Second Empire architectual style by architect Tom Lovell.

Designed in the Second Empire style by Tom Lovell, the Brewster County Courthouse was constructed in 1888. The two-and-one-half story building is rectangular in design with the entrances defined by a central pavilion on each faade. The building is constructed of brick laid in common bond. The structure rests on a small base of rusticated limestone with a brick belt course separating the first and second stories. The building is capped by a mansard roof constructed of standing-seam tin. Triangular, two-paned dormers punctuate the roofline. Pressed tin triangular pediments crown the central projections on all four facades. Originally, each projection was capped with a large, attenuated, mansard-like roof, with a single round arch four-light window. These, however have been removed. The east and west facades are composed of three bays of paired round-arch window openings, and a pressed-tin 'frontispiece' doorway is placed in the central pavilion. The entry is made up of of a triangular pediment supported on single Doric pilasters with single-paneled podiums. A semicircular, two-pane transom is above the glass and aluminum replacement doors. The longer north and south facades are comprised of five bays of paired round-arch windows. The north facade has no doorway, and the recent addition of a two-story brick wing to the northwest half of this facade has obscured the two northwest bays and part of the central projection. The southern facade's door is a glass paneled wood-type door. The original wood double-hung windows have not survived, having been discarded for metal lights with fixed sashes. Some of the windows on the second story of the east facade and portions of the second stories of the north and south facades have been replaced with fixed wooden shutters. Additional embellishments include a pressed-tin entablature, comprised of a paneled frieze and a cornice, which surrounds the building; pairs of pressed-tin bracketsÑalso incorporated into the entablature; curved pressed-tin hood molds with a single voussoir on center above the window openings; and vertical brick strips or referential pilasters, which delineate each bay of paired windows. The interior of the courthouse has been modernized, almost completely hiding the historic and beautiful finishes. The district courtroom that once proudly occupied most of the second floor has been divided into smaller spaces. The ceiling has been lowered, the floor carpeted, and the entire level enveloped by particle board paneling.

1934: Remodeling
1971: Remodeling of courtroom
1980: Remodeling windows, interior elements, and doors replaced; unsympathetic addition

Current status: Active Courthouse

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.

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Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
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Brewster County, located in southwestern Texas, has a rich and multifaceted history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Mescalero Apache and Comanche tribes, who hunted and gathered along the Rio Grande and its tributaries. The area attracted Spanish explorers in the 16th century, who sought to establish trade routes and establish settlements in the region.

The modern history of Brewster County began in the mid-19th century when it was part of the larger Presidio County. It was named after Henry Percy Brewster, a secretary of war for the Republic of Texas. After the Civil War, the county experienced an influx of settlers, primarily ranchers, who took advantage of the rich grasslands and water sources in the area. Cattlemen such as Alta Adele Koch, known as the "Cattle Queen of Texas," played a significant role in shaping the county's economy.

The discovery of silver in the nearby Chinati Mountains in the late 19th century led to a mining boom in Brewster County. The town of Terlingua became a center of mining activity, attracting thousands of prospectors seeking fortune. However, the silver boom was short-lived, and by the early 20th century, the mines had closed, causing a decline in population and economic activity.

Brewster County's landscape and wildlife also played a role in its history. The establishment of Big Bend National Park in 1944 helped to conserve the region's natural beauty and attract tourists. Today, Brewster County is known for its stunning vistas, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a thriving art and cultural scene, making it a popular destination for visitors from around the world.

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

  • 1887: Brewster County is established and named after Henry Percy Brewster, a Secretary of War for the Republic of Texas.
  • 1889: Alpine, the county seat, is founded as a water stop for the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway.
  • 1900: The completion of the Southern Pacific transcontinental railroad brings growth and prosperity to the county.
  • 1921: Big Bend National Park is established, including a large portion of Brewster County.
  • 1933-1938: The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) establishes numerous camps in the area, contributing to infrastructure development and conservation efforts.
  • 1943: Construction begins on the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area, a renowned wildlife conservation and research site.
  • 1998: The Terlingua ghost town is designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
  • 2007: The US-Mexico border fence is constructed through parts of Brewster County, impacting local communities.