Historic Courthouse

Hansford County Courthouse

Hansford, Texas

Built in 1889.

One-story brick 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.

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In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
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Hansford County, located in the Texas Panhandle, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s. The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Kiowa, who relied on the abundant buffalo herds for sustenance.

In the 1870s, Hansford County experienced its first wave of settlement as ranchers and farmers began to establish homesteads in the area. The arrival of the railroad in 1887 further spurred growth and development, as it provided a vital link for transporting goods and people. The county was officially organized in 1889 and named after John M. Hansford, a Texas congressman who was known for his support of the Texas Panhandle region.

The early settlers faced numerous challenges, including droughts, harsh weather conditions, and conflicts with Native American tribes. However, their perseverance paid off, and the county's agriculture and ranching industries began to thrive. Wheat, corn, and cotton became important crops, while cattle ranching became a prominent livelihood for many residents.

In the 20th century, Hansford County continued to evolve with advancements in technology and infrastructure. The discovery of oil in the 1920s brought a new wave of economic growth and prosperity to the area. Today, Hansford County is a thriving community that celebrates its western heritage and rich agricultural traditions while embracing modern industries and opportunities for growth.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hansford County, Texas.

  • 1876 - Hansford County is created and named after John M. Hansford, a Texas state congressman.
  • 1880 - The first settlers begin arriving in the area, attracted by the availability of land for farming and ranching.
  • 1886 - Hansford becomes an organized county with the establishment of county government.
  • 1891 - The town of Hansford is established as the county seat.
  • 1900 - The county's population reaches around 3,000, primarily engaged in agriculture and livestock raising.
  • 1910 - The discovery of oil leads to an economic boom in the county.
  • 1929 - The Great Depression hits Hansford County hard, resulting in economic hardships for the residents.
  • 1950s - The discovery of natural gas reserves provides a boost to the county's economy.
  • 1960s - The construction of Lake Marvin, a recreational reservoir, attracts tourists to the area.
  • 1980s - The agriculture and energy sectors continue to dominate the county's economy.