Historic Courthouse

DeWitt County Courthouse

Cuero, Texas

Built in 1897 in Romanesque Revival architectual style by architect A.O. Watson, Austin and Eugene T. Heiner, Houston.

Designed by A. O. Watson and built in 1897 by A. O. Watson and Eugene T. Heiner, the DeWitt County Courthouse is an example of the Romanesque Revival style and was influenced by architect H. H. Richardson's courthouse in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The three-story structure is square in plan, framed by four corner pavilions and topped with a six-story clock tower. The building is constructed of rusticated sandstone with contrasting accents of red sandstone. The main roof is hipped, and the tower and pavilions have pyramidal roofs clad in red clay tile. The primary facade consists of a recessed, triple-bay section between flanking corner pavilions. The pavilions are united on the first floor by a connecting one-story arcade. The clock tower rises from behind the central bay. The paired, single pane, first-story windows of the front and sides of the courthouse are set in large arched openings with stone transoms. The windows on the rear facade, in the arcade and on the second story are one-over-one light, double-hung, sash-type, with stone lintels and single pane transoms. The windows are placed in the pavilions so that one large arched opening is on the first story, two trabeated windows are on the second story, and two trabeated windows set behind a four-bay arcade with balustrades are on the third story. Romanesque Revival capitals cap the porch's clustered columns, reminiscent of H. H. Richardson's designs. The large arches spring low and have rusticated voussoirs finished with a drip-mold archivolt. A balustrade is used in the side arches and as a protective railing above the porch. All projecting corners of the building have decorative quoins of narrow stones Ñ alternately placed vertically and horizontally. The pavilions have engaged columns at the corners of the third story. The corners of the tower have rounded edges or rusticated engaged columns at its full height. The second, third and fourth story windows of the tower are vertically grouped under colossal arches. The four clock faces are simply and effectively framed by radiating rusticated voussoirs in an inset square panel. The top story of the tower is open to the air with a three-bay arcade. The historic characteristics of the courthouse interior were completely altered by a 1957 renovation.

1957: Interior remodeled by Guido Brothers of San Antonio in early ceramic bathroom style. Architect was Ralph Cameron of San Antonio.1984: access ramp added to the southern entrance (pre ADA)

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.

law courthouses buildings
Texas will again lift it's head and stand among the nations. It ought to do, for Texans consumed with greatness
Sam Houston in Letter to the thirteen Texas municipalities
DeWitt County, located in Texas, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back to early Native American civilizations. The area was home to various indigenous tribes, including the Karankawa and Tonkawa, who utilized the region's natural resources for sustenance and trade.

In 1827, the area that is now DeWitt County was incorporated into the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. Shortly after, American settlement began in the region, with empresarios such as Green DeWitt and Martín de León playing significant roles. DeWitt, for whom the county is named, received a land grant in 1825 and played a vital part in bringing Anglo-American colonizers to the area.

DeWitt County saw significant growth during the Texas Revolution in the 1830s. The Battle of Gonzales, the first engagement of the revolution, occurred just outside the county's boundaries. The county itself became a site of conflict during the revolution, with the Battle of Ethel's Woods and the Battle of Gonzales River Bridge taking place within its borders.

After Texas gained independence from Mexico, DeWitt County was officially established in 1846. The county seat was initially Gonzales, but it was moved to Cuero in 1876. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, DeWitt County experienced economic growth due to industries such as ranching, oil, and agriculture.

Present-day DeWitt County continues to thrive as a center for agriculture, oil and gas production, and tourism. The county is known for its rich historical sites, including the Gonzales Memorial Museum, which houses artifacts from the Texas Revolution, and numerous ranches that showcase the area's strong cattle industry. DeWitt County's history is a testament to the resilience and determination of its early settlers and remains an essential part of Texas's broader historical narrative.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of DeWitt County, Texas.

  • 1827: DeWitt County is established as a part of DeWitt's Colony in Mexican Texas.
  • 1840: The Battle of Plum Creek takes place in DeWitt County during the Texan Revolution.
  • 1846: DeWitt County becomes a part of the newly formed Republic of Texas.
  • 1848: Texas becomes a state of the United States, and DeWitt County remains a part of it.
  • 1850: Population growth leads to the establishment of the county seat, Cuero.
  • 1870: The Gulf, Western Texas and Pacific Railway reaches Cuero, increasing trade and transportation opportunities.
  • 1874: Cuero is officially incorporated as a city.
  • 1893: Oil is discovered in DeWitt County, leading to economic growth and development.
  • 1923: A disastrous fire destroys much of downtown Cuero.
  • 1941-1945: DeWitt County contributes to the war effort during World War II.
  • 1960s-1970s: DeWitt County experiences a decline in population and economic activity.
  • 1990s-present: DeWitt County experiences a resurgence in oil and gas production, leading to economic growth.