Fort Bend County Courthouse
400 Jackson St., Richmond, TXThe Fort Bend County Courthouse is a fine example of classical revival architecture, the Courthouse is a focal point for a county with rich historical roots. The impressive character of its architecture reflects the high degree of importance once placed on local county government.
A fine example of classical revival architecture, the Fort Bend County Courthouse is a focal point for a county with rich historical roots. The impressive character of its architecture reflects the high degree of importance once placed on local county government.
The Courthouse is the focal point for a city with a rich history. Formed from a land grant from Stephen F. Austin in 1837, Richmond was the site of one of the original colonies in Texas, "The Old Three Hundred". It was home to several figures prominent in Texas history including Jane Long, "Deaf" Smith, and Mirabeau B. Lamar.
Fort Bend County has had five courthouses since 1937, the current structure having the greatest longevity. Commissioned in late 1907, the present structure has served as the Fort Bend Courthouse since it was dedicated in 1909. The architect was C.H. Page, Jr. and Brothers; it was built by the Texas Building Company for a cost of $75,000. It has seen happy occasions such as the tallying of votes on election night and the inauguration of public officials; it has also seen times of sadness when it was the only building in Richmond not devastated by floods. It has served such public servants as Bob Basset who, at the time of his retirement as District Attorney for the 23rd Judicial District, was considered dean of District Attorneys in the United States.
There are several aspects of the Courthouse that are especially significant. Although the materials, both exterior and interior, are relatively modest, the Courthouse is the dominant architectural element in Richmond. It is the tallest structure in town, and its domed roof can be seen from miles around.
The restoration of this important landmark is especially important because of the sharp increase in growth in the County, which is just a few miles west of Houston. It is hoped that the County can retain the appreciation of its rich historical roots as it grows in size and complexity.
Local significance of the building:
The Courthouse is the focal point for a city with a rich history. Formed from a land grant from Stephen F. Austin in 1837, Richmond was the site of one of the original colonies in Texas, "The Old Three Hundred". It was home to several figures prominent in Texas history including Jane Long, "Deaf" Smith, and Mirabeau B. Lamar.
Fort Bend County has had five courthouses since 1937, the current structure having the greatest longevity. Commissioned in late 1907, the present structure has served as the Fort Bend Courthouse since it was dedicated in 1909. The architect was C.H. Page, Jr. and Brothers; it was built by the Texas Building Company for a cost of $75,000. It has seen happy occasions such as the tallying of votes on election night and the inauguration of public officials; it has also seen times of sadness when it was the only building in Richmond not devastated by floods. It has served such public servants as Bob Basset who, at the time of his retirement as District Attorney for the 23rd Judicial District, was considered dean of District Attorneys in the United States.
There are several aspects of the Courthouse that are especially significant. Although the materials, both exterior and interior, are relatively modest, the Courthouse is the dominant architectural element in Richmond. It is the tallest structure in town, and its domed roof can be seen from miles around.
The restoration of this important landmark is especially important because of the sharp increase in growth in the County, which is just a few miles west of Houston. It is hoped that the County can retain the appreciation of its rich historical roots as it grows in size and complexity.
Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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In Texas, poetry is all around you.
About Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County Timeline
Fort Bend County, Texas has a rich and significant history that spans several centuries. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Akokisa tribes. European settlement began in the early 1820s, with the region becoming a part of Stephen F. Austin's colony. The county was officially established in 1837 and named after a blockhouse fort built along the Brazos River.
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.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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
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