Goliad County Courthouse
Goliad, TexasBuilt in 1894 in Second Empire architectual style by architect Guindon by contractor Martin, Byrne & Johnston.
Most attribute the design of the Goliad County Courthouse to Alfred Giles because he took credit for the design of the identical Caldwell County Courthouse. However, only one historical record exists which explicitly attributes the design of either building to any particular architect: an advertisement of Giles' listing the Caldwell County Courthouse as one of his many projects. Recently discovered evidence not only points to architect Henri E. M. Guindon as the true designer, but also accounts for the claim made by Giles. Guindon was a partner of Giles' from 1889-1891, when he left the state for Chicago. He then returned to San Antonio in 1893, and by May of that year, sold his plans and specifications for the courthouse to Caldwell County. He resumed his partnership with Giles in June of 1893. The same plans and specifications were then sold to Goliad County in September 1893 by the partnership. This relationship seems to account for the fact that Giles claimed Caldwell County as a building designed by his firm, although he was not the actual designer. Investigations of the drawing and lettering styles of both men give added support to this version of events. The style of both the Caldwell and Goliad County drawings match that of Henri E. M. Guindon. The Second Empire-style building is capped by a domed, mansard roof which was originally surmounted by a central tower. The walls of the structure are of local, quarry-faced limestone. The five-part facades feature corner pavilions and central pavilions that announce the entrances. The arches spanning the openings vary with each level. The first floor features Roman and flat arches, the second floor windows display only flat arches, and segmental and flat arches frame the windows of the third floor. These changes are emphasized by subtle differences in the color of the voussoirs. Further embellishment is provided by red sandstone stringcourses, which delineate the floor levels on the facades, and cut stone pilasters, which provide contrast to the ashlar walls. Originally the metal cornice was painted a buff color to match the limestone, and the windows were painted dark red and green. The tower was removed in 1942, and a substantial addition on the south side of the building was constructed in 1947. In 1964, the interior of the courthouse was significantly remodeled, hiding much of the historic details.
1942: Tower and turrets destroyed in a hurricane , and never replaced.1947: Substantial additions to the south.1964: Substantial renovation including elevator, new ceilings, new floors, new plumbing and new wiring. Wyatt C. Hedrick
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.
In 1829, the Mexican government established Goliad County as a municipality as part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. The town of Goliad was established as the county seat, and it quickly became a center for trade and commerce. However, tensions grew between the Mexican government and American settlers in Texas, eventually leading to the Texas Revolution.
One of the most well-known events in Goliad County's history occurred during the Texas Revolution in 1836. After the fall of the Alamo, Colonel James Fannin and his troops were captured by Mexican forces and held in the presidio at Goliad. In a tragic turn of events, Fannin and his men were executed in what became known as the Goliad Massacre, a significant event that further fueled the desire for Texas independence.
After gaining independence, Goliad County continued to grow and develop. The area became an important hub for ranching and agriculture, particularly in the production of cattle, cotton, and peanuts. Today, Goliad County is known for its rich historical heritage and its thriving tourism industry, drawing visitors with its impressive historic sites and events that commemorate the region's past.
Goliad County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Goliad County, Texas.
- 1821 - Mexican Revolutionary General Martín Perfecto de Cos granted land to empresario Martín De León in what is now Goliad County
- 1829 - The Mexican government granted the De León Colony rights to settle in the area
- 1836 - Goliad County was officially established as a municipality of the Republic of Texas
- 1836 - The Goliad Massacre occurred during the Texas Revolution, where prisoners of war from the Battle of Coleto were executed by the Mexican army
- 1846 - The county was formally organized and named Goliad County after the presidio and the Spanish fort located in the area
- 1850s - The county experienced economic growth with cattle ranching and agriculture becoming prominent industries
- 1881 - The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway built a line through the county, leading to further development
- 20th century - Goliad County continued to thrive with the discovery of oil and gas reserves in the area
- 2000 - Goliad County celebrated its 175th anniversary