Dimmit County Courthouse
Public Square, Carrizo Springs, TXThe Dimmit County Courthouse possesses historical significance. It has long been a prominent building in the county, and it has been the center of county activities for over three-quarters of a century. Today, it continues to serve its original purpose.
In 1858 the Texas Legislature created Dimmit County from several other counties, but the new government area remained unorganized as a part of Maverick County until 1880. Dimmit County was named for Philip Dimmit, 1 a native of Pennsylvania who participated in several Texan-Mexican skirmishes.
During the Mexican period of Texas history, several settlements were attempted within the present limits of the county, but these failed. Just before the Civil War, another attempt at settlement was made by John Townsend, a Negro, but his colony was thwarted by the Indians. In 1865, the first permanent settlement was made at Carrizo Springs by several families from other sections of the state. These were joined by Mexican peonies and vaqueros. Eventually, stock raising became the county's most vital industry. Although settlement increased during the last decades of the twentieth century, at the time the first permanent courthouse was erected, Dimmit County's population did not exceed one thousand.
Several years after the county was organized, Alfred Giles, a San Antonio architect, was commissioned to design a new courthouse and prepare plans and specifications. Bids were received late in 1883 but all were rejected. Subsequently, Giles plans were rejected and the plans of J.C. Breeding and Sons of San Antonio were adopted. G. Thompson was awarded the contract for a stone building for $11,800, and Breeding was retained to supervise construction. Late in 1884, the furniture was installed and the building was accepted by the commissioners' court. Subsequently, the public square was landscaped and an iron fence was installed.
In 1925 it was determined that the courthouse was too small and in "unsanitary" condition. Subsequently, the building was enlarged and new plumbing and steam heating was installed.
Local significance of the building:
In 1858 the Texas Legislature created Dimmit County from several other counties, but the new government area remained unorganized as a part of Maverick County until 1880. Dimmit County was named for Philip Dimmit, 1 a native of Pennsylvania who participated in several Texan-Mexican skirmishes.
During the Mexican period of Texas history, several settlements were attempted within the present limits of the county, but these failed. Just before the Civil War, another attempt at settlement was made by John Townsend, a Negro, but his colony was thwarted by the Indians. In 1865, the first permanent settlement was made at Carrizo Springs by several families from other sections of the state. These were joined by Mexican peonies and vaqueros. Eventually, stock raising became the county's most vital industry. Although settlement increased during the last decades of the twentieth century, at the time the first permanent courthouse was erected, Dimmit County's population did not exceed one thousand.
Several years after the county was organized, Alfred Giles, a San Antonio architect, was commissioned to design a new courthouse and prepare plans and specifications. Bids were received late in 1883 but all were rejected. Subsequently, Giles plans were rejected and the plans of J.C. Breeding and Sons of San Antonio were adopted. G. Thompson was awarded the contract for a stone building for $11,800, and Breeding was retained to supervise construction. Late in 1884, the furniture was installed and the building was accepted by the commissioners' court. Subsequently, the public square was landscaped and an iron fence was installed.
In 1925 it was determined that the courthouse was too small and in "unsanitary" condition. Subsequently, the building was enlarged and new plumbing and steam heating was installed.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
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.
The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
About Dimmit County
Dimmit County Timeline
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.
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.
Dimmit County Timeline
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.