Cottle County Courthouse

1929-1930
809 Richards Street, Paducah Texas
Significance:
Historic Courthouse

Jurisdiction:
County of Cottle

State Antiquities Landmarks (SALs) are designated by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and receive legal protection under the Antiquities Code of Texas (the Code). The Code defines all cultural resources on non-federal public lands in the State of Texas as eligible to be designated as SALs. Historic buildings and other aboveground historic resources must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places before they can be designated as SALs, but archeological sites do not have the same prerequisite.

SAL designation does not mean that sites or buildings cannot be altered or destroyed. The land-owning agency must consult with the THC about such proposed actions through the permit process, and the THC will determine whether the work will be allowed.

Buildings designated as SALs are listed in the Texas Historic Sites Atlas. However, information about designated archeological sites is not available to the general public to protect the sites from vandalism and destruction.

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Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
Cottle County is a small county located in the state of Texas, named after George Washington Cottle, one of the heroes of the Texas Revolution. The county was officially established on August 21, 1876, and was once part of the large Bexar County. In the late 19th century, settlers began to flock to the area, drawn by the promise of fertile land and farming opportunities.

In the early years, Cottle County relied heavily on agriculture, with cotton becoming the main staple crop. The county's population steadily increased, and by the turn of the 20th century, it had become a thriving community. Cattle ranching also played a significant role in the county's economy, with large ranches covering vast areas of land.

However, the early 20th century brought some challenges to Cottle County. In the 1920s, a severe drought struck the region, leading to crop failures and devastating the agricultural industry. The Great Depression of the 1930s further compounded the hardships faced by the county's residents. Many people were forced to leave the area in search of better opportunities.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Cottle County saw a decline in population and economic activity. The agricultural industry underwent significant changes, with mechanization reducing the need for labor and smaller family farms struggling to survive. Today, Cottle County remains a primarily rural and sparsely populated area, with farming and ranching continuing to be key sectors of its economy. Efforts to diversify the economy through tourism and alternative energy sources are also being explored to ensure the county's future growth and prosperity.

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

  • 1876: Cottle County is officially established on August 21.
  • 1883: The town of Paducah is surveyed and becomes the county seat.
  • 1884: The first courthouse is constructed in Paducah.
  • 1902: The Santa Fe Railroad extends into Cottle County, boosting its economy.
  • 1928: The Texas oil boom reaches Cottle County, leading to increased oil drilling.
  • 1941-1945: Cottle County residents serve in World War II.
  • 1951: The Childress Air Force Base opens near Paducah, providing economic opportunities.
  • 1979: The Childress Air Force Base is closed, impacting the local economy.
  • 1986: The Cottle County Courthouse, the third in its history, is completed.