Foard County Courthouse
Crowell, TexasBuilt in 1910 in Classical Revival architectual style by architect Elmer George Withers, McDonald Brothers, Fort Worth by contractor G.W. Brillhart, Abilene.
This three story buff brick and limestone courthouse was originally constructed with a central dome and clock tower. Classical details include pilasters, flattened entablature with roof parapet, flat arched windows on the rusticated limestone main floor and round arches on the top floor accentedwith large keystones.
1942: Remodeled after tornado damage, portico columns and clock tower were removed.1975: Sandblasted
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.
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.