Historic Courthouse

Clay County Courthouse

214 N Main Street, Henrietta, Texas

Built in 1884 in Classical Revival with Italianate influences architectual style by architect William .H. Wilson & Tozer by contractor Strain, Risley & Swinburn.

Designed by W. H. Wilson & Tozer, the Clay County Courthouse is Classical in form and detail with Italianate influences. It is designed in the form of a Greek cross, with narrow wings projecting to the north and south and wide wings projecting to the east and west. Corridors extending through both wings of the cross provide access from all four sides of the building. On the ground level, the east and west wings of the cross contain offices, and the north and south wings contain the stairways providing access to the courtroom, which originally occupied most of the second floor. The facades, constructed of locally-manufactured red brick, are accented by sandstone stringcourses. During construction, an iron cornice was substituted for the stone cornice that was originally specified. Sandstone columns resting on tall pedestals projecting from each of the eight corners express the second floor as a piano nobile. Originally, the roof of the structure was hipped on a low pitch and surmounted by a clock tower that was capped by a cupola and finished with sheet metal details. The original roof and tower have since been replaced with a gable roof and a low dome. Additional alterations to the original structure include the addition of a fireproof record room in 1891 and the installation of incandescent lights in 1893. On the interior, the offices remain essentially in their original configuration. However, wall surfaces have been refinished with paneling, dropped ceilings have been installed, and many window openings have been either partially filled to accommodate modern doors and windows or have been filled in completely. The tall, arched, brick openings on the exterior have also been altered to accommodate these changes. Unsympathetic alterations continue to obscure the aesthetic and historic integrity of the courthouse.

1911: According to dates on the roof rafters, this is when the bell tower was removed and replaced with the dome and roof configuration extant today. The upper portion of the tower had been removed in 1897.1960s: Segmental arches partially filled to accommodate new aluminum windows-Some windows completely bricked-in-Elevator and ramps updated(ADA)-elastomeric roof installed recently; -Ted Sivadon cleaned brick and repointed

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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Clay County, Texas, located in the northern region of the state, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, such as the Wichita and Comanche, who roamed the vast grasslands. The first significant European settlements in the area began in the 1850s, with pioneers establishing farms and ranches, taking advantage of the fertile soil and abundant water sources.

In 1857, Clay County was officially established, named after Henry Clay, a prominent American statesman. The county seat, Henrietta, was founded in 1859 and quickly became a center for trade and commerce in the region. Throughout the 1860s, the county experienced growth as more settlers arrived, and the first courthouse was built in 1868.

The late 19th century was a period of development for Clay County, as the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway in the 1880s brought increased connectivity and access to markets. Agriculture, especially cattle ranching, became a key industry, with vast herds grazing on the open prairies. Oil was discovered in the early 20th century, leading to a boom in the county's economy, and the population surged.

Over the years, Clay County has maintained its agricultural roots while also diversifying its economy. Today, the county is known for its ranching, farming, and oil production industries. The historical charm of Henrietta has been preserved, with its downtown area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Clay County's history is a testament to the enduring spirit of the people who have made it their home and the ongoing growth and development of this vibrant community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Clay County, Texas.

  • 1857 - Clay County is created from Cooke County by the Texas legislature.
  • 1871 - Henrietta becomes the county seat.
  • 1872 - Clay County experiences growth with the arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway.
  • 1882 - A courthouse fire destroys most of the county's early records.
  • 1890 - The population of Clay County reaches its peak at around 9,000 residents.
  • 1924 - The discovery of oil leads to an economic boom in the county.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression affects Clay County, resulting in a decline in population.
  • 1965 - Lake Arrowhead, a reservoir, is completed in Clay County.
  • 1987 - The Henrietta courthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places.