Historic Courthouse

Burleson County Courthouse

Caldwell, Texas

Built in 1927 in Classical Revival architectual style by architect J.M. Glover, Houston.

4-story, brick, rectangular building with classical details and Italianate cornice. The windows on the first (raised basement) level are square, the windows on the main level are round arches, and the windows on the third and fourth levels are rectangles set in the same openings in the brick--separated by panels. The facade features a shallow center pavilion with a classical entrance and a recessed area above with Tuscan-style columns alluding to a classical loggia. The roof is obscured by a parapet wall that runs the perimeter and steps up at the center pavilions.

Windows replaced with metal frames; interior rehabilitation

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.

ranching railroads
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.
Texas random facts
Burleson County, Texas has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s when it was established as part of Stephen F. Austin's colony. The area was initially settled by farmers and ranchers, attracted by the fertile land along the rivers, including the Brazos River. Burleson County was officially formed in 1846 and named after Edward Burleson, a hero of the Texas Revolution.

During the Civil War, Burleson County saw its fair share of turmoil. Many of its residents enlisted in the Confederate Army, while others supported the Union. The county was occupied by Union troops for a short period, which caused further division among its residents.

In the late 19th century, the county experienced an economic boom with the expansion of the railroad. The arrival of the Houston and Texas Central Railway in the 1870s brought new opportunities for trade and commerce. Several communities, such as Caldwell and Snook, were established along the railroad routes and became important shipping centers for agricultural products.

Agriculture remained the backbone of the county's economy throughout the 20th century. Cotton, corn, and livestock farming were the mainstay of Burleson County's agricultural industry. The county also experienced growth in oil and gas production during the mid-20th century. In recent years, the county has diversified its economy with the growth of manufacturing and services sectors.

Today, Burleson County is a thriving community with a blend of rural charm and economic development. Its rich history is celebrated through various events and festivals, such as the Burleson County Czech Heritage Festival and the Caldwell Kolache Festival. The county's natural beauty, historic landmarks, and vibrant community make it a desirable place to live, work, and visit.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Burleson County, Texas.

  • 1841 - Burleson County is established as a part of the Republic of Texas
  • 1851 - The county seat is established in Caldwell
  • 1861-1865 - Burleson County residents actively participate in the American Civil War
  • 1870s - The county experiences growth with the arrival of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad
  • 1881 - A fire destroys many buildings in Caldwell
  • 1903 - The Texas A&M Southwest Experiment Station is established in Burleson County
  • 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic hardship to the county
  • 1940 - Oil and gas discoveries bring some economic relief to Burleson County
  • 1976 - The Burleson County Historical Society is formed
  • 1990 - The population of Burleson County reaches its peak at over 21,000 residents
  • 2000s - The county continues to focus on agricultural and oil industries while experiencing some population growth