Brooks County Courthouse
100 E. Miller St., Falfurrias, TXThe 1914 Brooks County Courthouse, designed by noted Texas architect Alfred Giles, is nominated to the National Register of Historic Places at the local level of significance under Criterion A for Government and Criterion C for Architecture. It sits on a large and prominent square in the heart of Falfurrias. The three-story brick and terra cotta courthouse is a significant example of the Classical Revival style frequently utilized throughout Texas for civic buildings during the first two decades of the 20th century, and the only building of this style in Falfurrias. The most prominent building in this rural town, it has served continuously as the seat of county government since its construction.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Politics/government
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2012.
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.
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The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.
About Brooks County
Brooks County Timeline
Brooks County, located in southern Texas, has a rich history that spans several centuries. The region that is now Brooks County was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Karankawa peoples. In the 18th century, Spanish explorers and missionaries began to settle in the area, establishing missions and ranches. This marked the beginning of European influence and colonization in the region.
During the Texas Revolution in the 1830s, Brooks County became a significant battleground between Mexican troops and Texan rebels. The Battle of Espantosa, fought in the county in 1835, was a notable conflict that helped secure Texan independence from Mexico. After the revolution, the region experienced a surge in population as settlers arrived from the United States, seeking new opportunities in farming and ranching.
The establishment of the King Ranch, one of the largest and most influential ranches in the state, in the mid-19th century had a significant impact on Brooks County. The ranch brought economic stability, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. As the ranching industry grew, so did the county's population and reputation as a center for livestock production.
Brooks County also has a troubled past related to racial tensions and civil rights struggles. During the early 20th century, the county was a hotspot for racial violence against African Americans and Mexican Americans. The infamous "brooks county murders" in 1919, where several Black individuals were lynched by a mob, highlight the dark side of the county's history. Despite these challenges, Brooks County has evolved and grown over time, and today, it continues to thrive as an important agricultural and cultural hub in Texas.
During the Texas Revolution in the 1830s, Brooks County became a significant battleground between Mexican troops and Texan rebels. The Battle of Espantosa, fought in the county in 1835, was a notable conflict that helped secure Texan independence from Mexico. After the revolution, the region experienced a surge in population as settlers arrived from the United States, seeking new opportunities in farming and ranching.
The establishment of the King Ranch, one of the largest and most influential ranches in the state, in the mid-19th century had a significant impact on Brooks County. The ranch brought economic stability, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. As the ranching industry grew, so did the county's population and reputation as a center for livestock production.
Brooks County also has a troubled past related to racial tensions and civil rights struggles. During the early 20th century, the county was a hotspot for racial violence against African Americans and Mexican Americans. The infamous "brooks county murders" in 1919, where several Black individuals were lynched by a mob, highlight the dark side of the county's history. Despite these challenges, Brooks County has evolved and grown over time, and today, it continues to thrive as an important agricultural and cultural hub in Texas.
Brooks County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Brooks County, Texas.
- 1848: Brooks County is established by the Texas Legislature, named after James Abijah Brooks, a Texas Ranger and a Texas Revolution veteran.
- 1857: The first permanent settlement is established in Brooks County near the present-day town of Falfurrias.
- 1870: Falfurrias is founded and becomes the county seat of Brooks County.
- 1904: The St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway reaches Falfurrias, boosting the town's economic growth.
- 1919: The discovery of oil and gas in the county brings a new wave of prosperity.
- 1920s-1930s: The population of Brooks County increases rapidly due to the oil and gas industry, agriculture, and ranching.
- 1940s-1950s: Brooks County sees a decline in population due to the depletion of oil and gas resources.
- 1990s: Falfurrias experiences economic growth with the establishment of several manufacturing and processing plants.
- 2005: Hurricane Katrina brings heavy rainfall and flooding to Brooks County, causing significant damage.
- Present: Brooks County continues to be an important agricultural and ranching region in Texas, known for its cattle ranches and citrus orchards.