Historic Courthouse

Fisher County Courthouse

Roby, Texas

Built in 1910 in Classical Revival architectual style by architect Andrew J. Bryan.

2 1/2 story brick structure with unusual building footprint. Grand temple entry portico supported by 4 giant order Ionic columns. Palladian entry. brick, similar to Rains and Henderson.

Current status: gone / demolished

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.

commercial buildings markets, mercantiles
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
Fisher County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The county was named after Samuel Rhoads Fisher, a statesman and diplomat in the Republic of Texas. It was officially established on February 1, 1876, when it was separated from adjacent counties.

The early settlers of Fisher County were primarily ranchers and farmers who were attracted to the fertile land and abundance of water sources, particularly the Colorado River. These pioneers faced many challenges, including severe weather conditions and conflicts with Native American tribes in the area. However, they persevered and gradually developed thriving communities, mainly centered around farming and ranching.

The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s greatly enhanced the county's economic development. The railroad allowed for the transport of goods and improved access to markets, leading to the growth of towns such as Roby and Rotan. With the expansion of the rail network, Fisher County became an important transportation hub in the region.

In the 20th century, Fisher County faced some setbacks, including the effects of the Great Depression and a decline in population due to the mechanization of farming. However, the discovery of oil and gas reserves in the area in the 1940s provided a boost to the local economy. Today, Fisher County continues to rely on agriculture, oil and gas, and small businesses as its main economic drivers, while also preserving its historical heritage through museums and cultural events.

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

  • 1870: Fisher County was established on February 1, 1876, and named after Samuel Rhoads Fisher, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
  • 1880s: The first settlement in the area was established near the Clear Fork of the Brazos River.
  • 1890s: The county experienced a population boom with the arrival of the Texas Central Railroad.
  • 1911: The town of Roby was designated as the county seat of Fisher County.
  • 1930s: Fisher County, like the rest of the country, was greatly affected by the Great Depression.
  • 1940s: The discovery of oil and gas in the county led to economic growth and increased population.
  • 1970s: The county faced economic challenges due to declining oil prices.
  • 2000s: Fisher County continued to be primarily agricultural, with farming and ranching as the main economic activities.