Historic Courthouse

Guadalupe County Courthouse

Seguin, Texas

Built in 1857 in Italianate architectual style.

64' x 40' x 2 story concrete, Alfred Giles may have remodeled this structure.

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.

Neoclassical (architectural style) houses residential buildings design and construction
The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Texas random facts
Guadalupe County, located in south-central Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan, Karankawa, and Tonkawa tribes. These indigenous communities thrived off the region's abundant waterways and natural resources.

The area came under Spanish rule in the 18th century when Spanish explorers and missionaries arrived. In 1756, the Spanish established the Mission Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de los Nacogdoches near present-day Seguin, marking the beginning of European settlement in the area. The mission was intended to convert and provide shelter for Native Americans, but it was eventually abandoned due to conflicts with local tribes.

During the turbulent years of the 19th century, Guadalupe County witnessed significant changes. In 1836, the Battle of the Alamo and the Texas Revolution prompted a wave of Anglo-American settlers to move into the area. The county was officially established in 1846, and soon after, it became an important center for agriculture, particularly cotton production.

The county's growth continued during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s brought increased economic opportunities and facilitated trade with other regions of the state. By the early 20th century, Guadalupe County had a thriving economy with industries such as agriculture, oil and gas, and manufacturing.

Today, Guadalupe County retains its agricultural heritage while also being home to a diverse mix of industries and communities. It offers a unique blend of rural charm, natural beauty, and a growing suburban area. With its rich historical background and vibrant present, Guadalupe County remains an essential part of the Lone Star State.

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

  • 1838: Guadalupe County is established as a county in the Republic of Texas.
  • 1846: Guadalupe County becomes a part of the state of Texas after Texas is annexed by the United States.
  • 1848: The county seat of Guadalupe County is established in Seguin.
  • 1861-1865: Guadalupe County is greatly affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1876: The courthouse in Seguin is destroyed by fire but is rebuilt the following year.
  • Late 1800s: The county experiences significant growth with the introduction of the railroad and the development of agriculture and industry.
  • Early 1900s: Guadalupe County experiences further growth with the discovery of oil and gas in the area.
  • 1930s-1940s: Guadalupe County suffers from the effects of the Great Depression and World War II.
  • 1960s-1970s: The county experiences growth and development with the construction of Interstate 10 and the expansion of the petrochemical industry.
  • 2000s: Guadalupe County continues to grow and attract new residents and businesses.