Erath County Courthouse

Built in 1892 in Romanesque Revival architectual style by architect J. Riely Gordon by contractor S.A. Tomlinson.

The Erath County Courthouse, a vividly polychromatic structure of native white limestone and red Pecos sandstone, was designed in 1891 by J. Riely Gordon. Although the perimeter, with its rhythm of recessed planes and projecting pavilions, is unique to Gordon's work, the concept of the floor plan is similar to many Texas courthouses. On the first level, intersecting corridors divide the floor into four quadrants containing offices for the treasurer, county clerk, tax assessor and county judge. Stairways at the east and west vestibules lead to the second story which contains the district courtroom and offices. Additional offices are on the third level. Because the supporting walls for the tower extend through the center of the building, the floor plan differs slightly from the traditional Texas courthouse plan. Instead of being symmetrically positioned, the courtroom is located on the south side of the second floor corridor, which is offset to pass around the tower walls on three sides. On the ground level, small openings allow corridor circulation to pass through the supporting tower walls. Each facade consists of a five-part composition with two intermediate bays that project forward and are crowned with triangular pediments. The central tower, with its steeply tripped roof, dominates this composition. The north entrance and the east and west entrances, which open into the stair vestibule, are accented by the flanking pavilions and a modest balustrade. The south entrance is somewhat subdued by the second-story wall which is flush with the face of the pavilions. The variation in the second story treatment on the south was necessary for accomodating the large space required for the district courtroom. An entrance arch supported by Syrian columns provides an additional variation on the north facade. Other subtle details contribute further to the richness of the exterior. Below the water table is a course of red sandstone; this material was also used for the water table and stringcourses, the latter of which form the window sills. On the second and third stories, the center piers of the openings have rudimentary capitals. Finally, the composition of the main mass of the building is surmounted by a cornice with red sandstone consoles; the pavilion gables also are capped with red sandstone. The north, east and west gables are decorated with geometrical features of contrasting colors. In 1950, the courthouse was remodeled. Aluminum windows were installed, the interior was painted, exterior walls were sandblasted and a new roof of rigid asbestos was added.

Restored in 1988.

Current status: Active Courthouse