Historical Marker

Eastland County Courthouse

Historical marker location:
100 W. Main Street, Eastland, Texas
( Eastland County Courthouse grounds, southeast corner, facing SH 6 (S. Seaman Street))
Marker installed: 2007
Marker size: 27" X 42"

The Texas Legislature created Eastland County in 1858, but sparse settlement delayed organization until 1873, when Merriman (8 mi. NE) became the first county seat. Charles Connellee and Jack Daugherty platted the new town of Eastland near the center of the county, and by a vote of 67 to 60 the county seat moved here in 1875. The commissioners met in a stone building across from the town square. The Texas & Pacific Railway arrived in October 1880 and spurred growth, but when the Texas Central Railway created the new town of Cisco, Eastland had to survive a county seat election in August 1881. An 1896 fire destroyed the 1883 courthouse, and Cisco again forced a county seat election, receiving a majority of votes but not the required two-thirds margin. In 1898, the county completed a new three-story courthouse and jail in Eastland.Following oil and natural gas booms in the 1910s and 1920s, voters approved $300,000 in bonds for a new buiding designed by the Dallas architectural firm of Otto H. Lang and Frank O. Witchell. The grand new building opened by December 1928 with space for county, district and appellate courts and offices. The Art Deco style courthouse exhibits stepped massing in its design, with prominent wings accenting a central tower. The building is clad in brick with ornate decorative terra cotta trim and ornamentation. Details include carved eagles, shields and medallions, pilasters, tripartite arched entryways, and stylized decorative banding. The Eastland County Courthouse gained widespread fame as the final resting place for "Old Rip," a celebrated horned toad reputedly liberated from the cornerstone of the prior courthouse.Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-2007

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
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Eastland County, located in central Texas, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Apache. The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century brought about changes in the region, with conflicts arising between the Native Americans and European settlers.

The county's official establishment came in 1858, when Texas Legislature recognized it as a separate entity. The county was named after William M. Eastland, who fought in the Texan Revolution and served as a Texas Ranger. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Eastland County experienced significant growth and development thanks to the arrival of railroads, making it a crucial transportation hub for the surrounding regions.

The discovery of oil in the early 20th century also brought prosperity to Eastland County. The oil boom led to a population increase, as well as the growth of industrial and commercial sectors. However, the Great Depression of the 1930s had a devastating impact on the county, leading to a decline in population and economic activity.

In recent decades, Eastland County has worked to revive its economy and preserve its rich heritage. Today, the county is known for its thriving agricultural sector, including cattle farming and crop cultivation. The county also attracts tourists with its natural beauty, offering outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, and camping. Eastland County continues to embrace its history while looking towards a promising future.

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

  • 1850 - Eastland County is established as a county in Texas.
  • 1854 - The town of Palo Pinto is designated as the county seat.
  • 1858 - Palo Pinto is abandoned, and the county seat is moved to Merriman.
  • 1875 - Merriman loses the county seat status to Eastland.
  • 1890 - The Texas Central Railroad arrives in Eastland, fueling growth and economic development.
  • 1907 - The first oil well in Eastland County is drilled, leading to the rise of the oil industry in the area.
  • 1920 - The Eastland City Dam is built, creating Lake Leon and providing a water source for the region.
  • 1930 - The population of Eastland County reaches its peak, with over 30,000 residents.
  • 1938 - Eastland County is severely affected by the devastating tornado outbreak known as the "Wichita Falls–East Texas Tornado Outbreak."
  • 1950s - The decline of the oil industry and changes in agriculture lead to a population decrease in Eastland County.
  • Today, Eastland County is a rural area with a diverse economy, including agriculture, oil and gas production, and tourism.