Fort Bend County Courthouse
401 Jackson Street, Richmond, TexasBuilt in 1908 in Beaux Arts architectual style by architect C.H. Page and Brother by contractor Texas Building Company, Austin.
The Fort Bend County Courthouse was designed by C. H. Page and Brothers in the Classical Revival style and erected in 1908. The original building is a three-story masonry load-bearing structure with a raised concrete foundation. The structure has a cruciform floor plan centering on a three-story sky-lit rotunda. The main entrance is marked by a three-story projecting portico with stone columns and intricately carved stone capitals. Three arched openings capped by a rich stone carving lead from the entry portico to the central rotunda. Each facade is framed by slightly projecting corner pavilions. The first floor of the building, featuring a smooth cut stone stringcourse, is treated with alternating recessed brick courses which create the effect of a rusticated stone base. This effect is enhanced by the use of arched windows in contrast to the rectangular windows on the second and third floors. The windows are simple one-over-one, wood double-hung windows with simple wood trim arranged in a symmetrical manner. Entrance doors are beveled glass and wood with arched glass transoms. The roof, with its richly articulated copper dome and fascia, is the dominant feature of the building. Rising from the dome is a clock tower which is topped by a copper statue of "Miss Liberty" holding a sword and scales of justice. In 1935, a three-story addition was made to the south wing of the courthouse. The concrete frame addition has less ornament and articulation than the original structure, and the fascia and parapet are stone rather than copper. The brickwork on the first floor band is less detailed. Windows are simple one-over-one, double-hung similar to those in the original wood building, but with minimal interior trim. In 1957, a one-story addition was made east and west of the 1935 addition. This addition was very economical and of less architectural quality than the 1935 addition. There is virtually no exterior articulation. Windows are three-pane projecting aluminum sash. It was at this time that air-conditioning was added to the building, resulting in exposed ductwork and piping throughout the building.
Addition in 1935 designed by C.H. Page and constructed by Knutson Construction Co.; and 1957 addition designed by Hedrick, Stanby, and Lightfoot Architects and constructed by P.G. Bell & Co..1979: Extensive renovation- ISTEA Grant - reahabilitate exterior features. Some landscaping. Restoration work and landscaping was completed on September 15, 1997.
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 is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
One pivotal event in the county's history was the arrival of sugar cane cultivation in the 1840s. Immigrants from Germany and other European countries brought their expertise in sugar production and established large sugar plantations in Fort Bend County. The growth of the sugar industry substantially impacted the county's economy and led to the arrival of enslaved African Americans, who provided labor on these plantations.
During the American Civil War, Fort Bend County remained primarily loyal to the Confederate cause. Many residents joined Confederate units and fought in several battles, such as the Battle of Palmito Ranch and the Battle of Pleasant Hill. Following the war, the county experienced a period of reconstruction and worked towards diversifying its agricultural production.
The 20th century brought further transformations, with the discovery of oil and gas in the county. The newfound oil industry spurred economic growth and development, as well as population growth. Fort Bend County also played a vital role in the civil rights movement, with several significant milestones, including the integration of public schools in 1963. Today, Fort Bend County is a thriving and diverse community, known for its rich history, strong economy, and cultural diversity.
Fort Bend County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Fort Bend County, Texas.
- 1822: Stephen F. Austin grants land to his secretary, Samuel M. Williams, who establishes the Fort Bend settlement near present-day Richmond, Texas
- 1824: Mexico establishes Fort Bend County as part of Austin's Colony
- 1837: Fort Bend becomes an official county in the Republic of Texas
- 1841: The new county courthouse is built in Richmond
- 1856: Sugar production becomes a major industry in Fort Bend County
- 1861: Fort Bend County residents support secession and the Confederacy during the Civil War
- 1900: The first rail line, known as the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway, arrives in Fort Bend County
- 1920: The discovery of oil leads to an economic boom in the county
- 1941: Sugar Land Regional Airport opens to support military training during World War II
- 1959: The town of Stafford is incorporated
- 1990: Fort Bend County's population exceeds 200,000