Comanche County Courthouse
Comanche, TexasBuilt in 1856 in Folk form log cabin architectual style.
Hand-hewn log construction 12'-10' x 12'-7' and walls 7'-0' tall. The building had a board 'side room' and one stone chimney. The building served as the courthouse for approximately two years. In 1858, Hamilton County was formed from parts of Comanche leaving Cora on the southern edge of the county. In 1859 a new seat of government, Comanche, was created near the center of the county. The log courthouse remained on the square and was used as a residence until 1880 when it was purchased by the Mason family and moved to a new location in Cora where it was incorporated into a larger residence. The structure was modified into a 'dog-trot' plan, with the old courthouse serving as the westernmost room and a breeze-way and slightly larger log room constructed on the east. A second chimney was also added, as well as several additional board 'side rooms'. By 1938, the town of Cora was virtually gone and the Mason House had fallen into severe disrepair. It was purchased that year and moved Lake Eanes where it's new owners hoped to rehabilitate the building and open it to the public. Unfortunately, several modifications were made to the structure without proper documentation, leaving many aspects of the building's 1880's appearance unknown. The rehabilitation of the Mason house was never completed, and by 1963 the building was once again in a state of disrepair. It was purchased by A.P. Burks, who moved it to Comanche. In 1983 the building was moved once again. The 'Old Cora Commission' purchased the building and moved it to the courthouse square in Comanche for use as a museum. It remains there today.
1985:Moved to town square in Comanche and used as museum.- ISTEA Grant - building of an arbor, cement picnic tables, and wheelchair passages to Old Cora; construct and landscape sidewalk separating the square and surrounding highways and streets; addition of plants and an irrigation system. Completed in August 1997.
Current status: Museum
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.
The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to explore and establish settlements in the area. In 1854, the Texas Legislature officially created Comanche County, named after the Comanche tribe. The county was initially part of the vast Erath County before being designated as an independent entity. The growth of Comanche County was primarily driven by agriculture and cattle ranching, with farmers and ranchers taking advantage of the fertile land and abundant natural resources.
The county experienced rapid development during the late 19th century with the arrival of the Texas Central Railroad in 1885. The railroad provided a crucial transportation link for the county, connecting it to larger cities and markets, which further stimulated economic growth. The population increased, and new towns, including Comanche, emerged along the railroad lines. These towns became centers for commerce, trade, and social activity.
Comanche County played a significant role in the development of Texas and the United States. It witnessed the impact of various historical events, such as the American Civil War, where many residents served in the Confederate Army. Over the years, Comanche County has evolved, adapting to changes in the agricultural, industrial, and technological sectors. Today, the county remains a vibrant community that celebrates its history while embracing modern advancements.
Comanche County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Comanche County, Texas.
- 1854 - Comanche County is established
- 1858 - Official county government is organized
- 1861-1865 - Comanche County supports the Confederacy during the Civil War
- 1875 - The county's first post office is opened
- 1877 - Comanche County is hit by a major drought
- 1881 - The Texas Central Railway is completed, boosting the county's economy
- 1890 - The town of Comanche becomes the county seat
- 1908 - Comanche County's courthouse is constructed
- 1920s - The county experiences an oil boom that brings prosperity and growth
- 1940s - Comanche County contributes to the war effort during World War II
- 1960s-1970s - The county's population declines due to economic changes
- 2010 - Comanche County's population reaches its peak