Clay County Courthouse and Jail
100 N. Bridge St., Henrietta, TXThe Clay County Courthouse and Jail have architectural and governmental significance. The Courthouse is distinguished by its stone details and cross-shaped plan, which was relatively unusual in Texas. Both the courthouse and jail have been the focus of government and law enforcement activities for nearly a century. In addition, during the early years of its use, the Courthouse was the location of numerous social activities of the county.
Clay County was organized in 1857 but Indian raids later forced abandonment. In 1872 the county was reorganized and the following year the county commissioners ordered the construction of the first courthouse, a rectangular stone building.
Named, according to legend, for the wife of Henry Clay of Kentucky, Henrietta was originally laid out in 1860. After abandonment during Indian problems the town was reoccupied in 1865 but was once again vacated as a result of pressures from the Indians. It was finally occupied permanently in 1873 and it was incorporated in 1882, the year it became the permanent county seat. Located on the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad and the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad, it became a commercial center for the surrounding region.
Late in 1883, the commissioners' court ordered T.J. Craig, County Judge, to advertise for plans and specifications for a new courthouse to be erected on the public square. After examing those submitted, the plans of W.H. Wilson of Dallas were accepted. Later, another architect, (first name unknown) Tozer, became associated with the project. On January 29, 1884, after consideration of the bids submitted, contractors D.W. Strain, Ward Risley, and A. Swinburn of Fort Worth were selected to build the temple of justice for $34,800 and on June 24 the cornerstone was leveled by Henrietta Lodge No. 454, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
As occasionally in the nineteenth century, various rooms in the courthouse served functions outside of government. In 1884 the grand jury room was rented to the Knights of Honor for use as a lodge room. A room on the third floor was rented as a law office and in 1886 another room was rented to the Henrietta Silver Cornet Band for $4.00 per month. Later, however, orders were issued forbidding the use of the courthouse for balls and dances. Then, in 1905 the court issued an order forbidding the use of the courthouse for ice cream parties because "the continued waste of salt and salt water on floors have damaged same to a considerable extent, as well as the sleepers under the floor..."
Today the courthouse continues to serve solely the functions of county government.
In 1874 a sixteen-foot-square jail was built with six-inch wooden walls. Built of solid oak the plan consisted of a central hall with three cells on either side. This work is preserved in Henrietta.
However, this early calaboose obviously proved unsatisfactory. Less than three years after its acceptance in 1875, notices were published inviting contractors to submit proposals for constructing a new sandstone jail. On August 12, 1878, the commissioners' court ordered that the contract for the erection of a county jail be let to J.L. Thomas of Fort Worth. For $7,000 the contractor, who developed his own plans, was to build a jail with pitch-faced ashlar sandstone exterior walls.
However, this jail was not built. Finally, in 1890 the Pauley Jail Building and Manufacturing Company of Saint Louis was awarded a contract for the construction of a new jail for $24,000. The jail was completed and accepted that same year.
Local significance of the building:
Clay County was organized in 1857 but Indian raids later forced abandonment. In 1872 the county was reorganized and the following year the county commissioners ordered the construction of the first courthouse, a rectangular stone building.
Named, according to legend, for the wife of Henry Clay of Kentucky, Henrietta was originally laid out in 1860. After abandonment during Indian problems the town was reoccupied in 1865 but was once again vacated as a result of pressures from the Indians. It was finally occupied permanently in 1873 and it was incorporated in 1882, the year it became the permanent county seat. Located on the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad and the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad, it became a commercial center for the surrounding region.
Late in 1883, the commissioners' court ordered T.J. Craig, County Judge, to advertise for plans and specifications for a new courthouse to be erected on the public square. After examing those submitted, the plans of W.H. Wilson of Dallas were accepted. Later, another architect, (first name unknown) Tozer, became associated with the project. On January 29, 1884, after consideration of the bids submitted, contractors D.W. Strain, Ward Risley, and A. Swinburn of Fort Worth were selected to build the temple of justice for $34,800 and on June 24 the cornerstone was leveled by Henrietta Lodge No. 454, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
As occasionally in the nineteenth century, various rooms in the courthouse served functions outside of government. In 1884 the grand jury room was rented to the Knights of Honor for use as a lodge room. A room on the third floor was rented as a law office and in 1886 another room was rented to the Henrietta Silver Cornet Band for $4.00 per month. Later, however, orders were issued forbidding the use of the courthouse for balls and dances. Then, in 1905 the court issued an order forbidding the use of the courthouse for ice cream parties because "the continued waste of salt and salt water on floors have damaged same to a considerable extent, as well as the sleepers under the floor..."
Today the courthouse continues to serve solely the functions of county government.
In 1874 a sixteen-foot-square jail was built with six-inch wooden walls. Built of solid oak the plan consisted of a central hall with three cells on either side. This work is preserved in Henrietta.
However, this early calaboose obviously proved unsatisfactory. Less than three years after its acceptance in 1875, notices were published inviting contractors to submit proposals for constructing a new sandstone jail. On August 12, 1878, the commissioners' court ordered that the contract for the erection of a county jail be let to J.L. Thomas of Fort Worth. For $7,000 the contractor, who developed his own plans, was to build a jail with pitch-faced ashlar sandstone exterior walls.
However, this jail was not built. Finally, in 1890 the Pauley Jail Building and Manufacturing Company of Saint Louis was awarded a contract for the construction of a new jail for $24,000. The jail was completed and accepted that same year.
Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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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In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
About Clay County
Clay County Timeline
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.
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.
Clay County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.