Callahan County Courthouse

Baird, Texas

Built in 1900 ca..

Constructed primarily from materials of the previous courthouse. Construction was supervised by architect J. E. Flanders. 'Ordered by the Court that the J. Riely Gordon Co. Architects of Dallas be and are hereby employed as architects to prepare suitable drawings and specifications for a new courthouse for Callahan County approximately 65 x 75 feet two stories high and to utilize as much of the materials, etc. now contained in the old courthouse as is suitable. The remainderr to be property of the contractor, who shall remove such stone and debris as is not needed for filling and grading the lot. It is further ordered by the court that the plans and specifications are to be submitted to this court, and accepted by this court before any advertsiement for bids are to be made on same. It is further ordered and understood between Callahan COunty acting through her Commissioners Court, and the J. Riely Gordon Co. Architects, that said Callahan County does not become to said J. Riely Gordon Co. Architects, for any fees or compensastion of any character until a contract is let and bond fixed to build said courthouse.' Commissioners Court Minutes Vol. C, page 425.The court agreed to spend $27,069 for the building.

1906: electric lights installed.

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.

Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
Callahan County, Texas has a rich history that dates back to its initial settlement in the mid-19th century. Originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, the region saw an influx of settlers in the 1850s, primarily from states like Alabama, Tennessee, and Missouri, seeking new opportunities on the Texas frontier.

In 1858, the Texas Legislature officially established Callahan County, naming it after James Hughes Callahan, a ranger and soldier in the Texas Revolution. The county's early economy relied heavily on agriculture, with cotton being the main cash crop and cattle ranching also playing a significant role.

During the Civil War, like many regions of Texas, Callahan County experienced unrest and hardship. After the war, however, the county quickly recovered, and the construction of the Texas and Pacific Railway in the late 19th century further fueled growth and development. The railroad brought new settlers, boosted trade, and led to the establishment of towns like Baird, Cross Plains, and Clyde.

Throughout the 20th century, Callahan County continued to evolve and diversify its economy. Oil was discovered in the area in the 1920s, leading to the establishment of oilfields and the growth of the petroleum industry. Agriculture remained important, with crops like wheat, milo, and sorghum becoming significant, and ranching continued to thrive.

Today, Callahan County is a vibrant community that honors its history while embracing modern advancements. Its rich agricultural heritage, coupled with a growing oil and gas industry, makes this county a resilient and prosperous area within the state of Texas.

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

  • 1854 - Callahan County is created and named after James Hughes Callahan, a Texas Ranger and legislator.
  • Late 1850s - Settlers begin to arrive in the area, primarily from the southern United States.
  • 1861-1865 - Callahan County, like the rest of Texas, is greatly impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1872 - Baird is established as the county seat.
  • Early 1880s - The Texas & Pacific Railway is built through Callahan County, boosting economic growth.
  • Early 1900s - Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, becomes a major industry in the county.
  • 1923-1924 - Oil is discovered in Callahan County, leading to a boom in production and economic development.
  • 1940s - Callahan County experiences a decline in population due to the effects of World War II.
  • 1980s-1990s - The economy diversifies with the growth of manufacturing and retail sectors.
  • 2000s - Callahan County continues to be primarily rural, with agriculture and oil production playing significant roles in the local economy.