Historic Courthouse

Dimmit County Courthouse

Carrizo Springs, Texas

Built in 1884/ 1926 in Classical Revival architectual style by architect J.C. Breeding & Sons - 1883, Henry T. Phelps - 1925 by contractor J. Thompson.

Levi English led 400 Atascosa County citizens to Carrizo Springs in 1865. He and his wife Matilda later gave land for the courthouse square. The current courthouse, probably the first and only, was finished in 1884 at the cost of $14,000.

Originally a 5-bay, square Italianate building with wooden frame. Central double gallery removed in 1925 by Henry T. Phelps and expansion of north and south ends resulted in H-plan. Contractor was San Antonio Construction Company. Most of the original building is hidden.

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.

houses residential buildings Classical Revival (architectural style) design and construction women
Texas is known for its barbecue, and one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the state is Kreuz Market in Lockhart. The restaurant has been in operation since 1900 and is still family-owned.
Texas random facts
Dimmit County, located in southwest Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecans, before European settlement began in the 18th century. Spanish explorers and missionaries, such as Alonso de León and Fray Juan de Salas, were some of the first Europeans to arrive in the region.

In the early 19th century, as Texas gained its independence from Spain and Mexico, Dimmit County became a center for ranching and agriculture. As more settlers arrived, small towns such as Carrizo Springs and Asherton were established, fostering the growth of the local economy. The county's economy thrived on the cattle industry and the abundance of natural resources, such as oil and gas.

During the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century, Dimmit County experienced significant turmoil due to its proximity to the Mexican border. Border conflicts and the presence of bandits posed a threat to the safety and stability of the region. However, with the establishment of the Texas Rangers and enhanced border security, Dimmit County gradually regained its peace.

Today, Dimmit County continues to be a thriving economic center, with the oil and gas industry playing a vital role in its development. The county is also home to a diverse population, with a mix of Mexican American, Anglo-American, and Native American residents, all contributing to its rich cultural heritage. Its picturesque landscapes, including the scenic Brush Country, make Dimmit County an attractive destination for tourists and nature lovers alike.

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

  • 1858 - Dimmit County is established on February 1.
  • 1876 - Carrizo Springs becomes the county seat.
  • 1880 - The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway reaches Carrizo Springs, boosting economic development.
  • 1900 - The population of Dimmit County reaches 5,864.
  • 1919 - Construction of Highway 57 begins, connecting Dimmit County to neighboring areas.
  • 1930 - The population of Dimmit County peaks at 9,527.
  • 1953 - Pico #1 oil well is drilled, leading to an oil boom in the area.
  • 1994 - The Texas Water Development Board designates Dimmit County as part of the Middle Rio Grande Groundwater Conservation District.