Historic Courthouse

Donley County Courthouse

Clarendon, Texas

Built in 1891 in Romanesque Revival architectual style by architect Charles.H. Bulger& Isaac Hamilton Rapp by contractor Troutman Brothers; Trinidad, CO.

The Donley County Courthouse, designed by C. H. Bulger and Isaac Hamilton Rapp in the Romanesque Revival style, was constructed in 1891. The courthouse plan is unusual in Texas but conforms to conventions followed by other architects who worked in the Romanesque Revival style. The main entrance is emphasized by a round arch entry bay at the northeast corner that was originally surmounted by a large, square tower. The arches of the entry bay are comprised of large voussoirs with quarry faces, wide archivolts, cut intrados, and imposts decorated with an egg and dart pattern. The abutments display alternating courses of smooth and textured stones. The main stairway, located in the turret at the southeast corner, is indicated by a stair step window arrangement. The walls of the structure are of pressed brick placed on a base of quarry-faced ashlar. According to a local historian, the stones of the base were taken from an earlier courthouse. Stone was also used for the arches, lintels, water table and pinnacle shafts. Changes in the exterior of the building, done in the 1930s, include the removal of the upper section of the tower, dormers, brick corbelling, and the conical turret roof. In addition, some of the pinnacles have been removed, and a cast iron cresting and metal finials have been taken off the roof ridges. These unsympathetic changes have significantly altered the exterior proportions. An addition of restrooms onto the rear of the building is reasonably compatible with the rest of the courthouse. The interior retains much of its historic character and configuration. The tile floors, stained glass and main stair are still in use. The second floor is comprised of the district courtroom and a few small offices. The courtroom is still a double-height space and has a pressed metal ceiling. The floor has been carpeted and the judge's bench moved from its original location.

-1904: installation of electric lights inside the courthouse.-1905: window screens installed.-1907: roof replacement/repair by Phillips Casy Roofing Co. of Dallas.-1908: sidewalks installed on the square.-1921: steam heat installed, fireplaces and stoves

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.

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Donley County, Texas, located in the Panhandle region, has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache. The first European explorers, including Spanish conquistadors, began to explore the region in the 1500s.

In the early 1870s, settlers began to establish ranches in the area. The county was officially formed in August 1876 and named after Stockton P. Donley, a lawyer who served as a member of the Texas Legislature. The same year, Clarendon became the county seat. As ranching flourished, the new settlements attracted more residents and businesses.

The county experienced significant growth and development during the late 19th century. The arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway in the early 1880s provided a major boost to the local economy. Clarendon became a key shipping point for cattle and agricultural products, contributing to the county's prosperity.

However, like many other areas in Texas, Donley County faced challenges during the early 20th century. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl had a severe impact on the local economy, causing widespread hardship and forcing many residents to leave. But with the introduction of new farming techniques and federal assistance programs, the county slowly recovered and agriculture remained a vital industry.

Today, Donley County continues to be a rural community with a strong ranching and agricultural presence. It also boasts historical landmarks, such as the Donley County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The county's rich history and resilient spirit serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by its early settlers and the enduring legacy they left behind.

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

  • 1876: Donley County is formally established on August 21, with Clarendon as its county seat.
  • 1882: The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway is constructed through Donley County, bringing economic growth and improved transportation.
  • 1890: The population of Donley County reaches its peak with over 8,000 residents.
  • 1908: The first courthouse is built in Clarendon, but it is later destroyed by a fire in 1909.
  • 1910: A new courthouse is constructed to replace the one destroyed by fire, which still stands today.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl severely impact Donley County, causing economic hardships and population decline.
  • 1947: The Greenbelt Reservoir is completed, providing a reliable water source for the county's agriculture and livestock industries.
  • 1950s-1960s: The construction of Interstate 40 through Donley County improves transportation and spurs economic development.
  • 1980s-present: Donley County faces challenges of modernization, including technological advancements and changes in the agricultural industry.