Harris County Courthouse
1201 Franklin Street, Houston, TexasBuilt in 1910 in Classical Revival with Beaux Arts influences architectual style by architect Lang, Witchell, & Barglebaugh by contractor American Construction Co..
Six story granite and buff brick courthouse of steel frame construction with limestone, cast stone, and terra cotta details, central clerestory and dome.Designed by Charles Erwin Barglebaugh who had worked for FLW before joining Lang and Witchell.
In 1953 extensive interior remodeling. Renovated by Finger & Rustay in 1956 and designated Civil Courts Building. In 1990, the third-floor stair landing enclosed. Rededicated on August 23, 2011, after restoration the public parts of the interior to its 1910 condition. Marble walls and plaster ornamentation were ripped out and covered up, the rotunda was sealed off and the glass skylight at the bottom of the dome was removed. On the exterior, the dome’s lantern cap went missing and the massive staircases on the east and west sides that led up to a second story entrance were removed and the entrances were moved to the first floor. To restore the interior, historic preservationists had to rely on remnants found from the original building, historic photographs, of which there were few, recollections of county residents who worked or visited the courthouse before the remodeling and examples of the original architects other work for reference. The 1910 courthouse closed in 2006 and the actual construction phase began in February of 2009.
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.
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Harris County experienced rapid economic diversification and growth. The discovery of oil in the Spindletop field fueled Houston's emergence as an energy and petrochemical hub. Industries like cotton, lumber, shipping, and manufacturing thrived. NASA's Johnson Space Center further solidified the county's significance in space exploration and technology.
Harris County's demographic diversity is a defining aspect, attracting immigrants from various backgrounds. Houston became a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant culinary scene, dynamic arts community, and diverse festivals, reflecting its multicultural fabric.
Today, Harris County remains an influential economic and cultural center. Its strong economy spans energy, healthcare, technology, and international trade. The county houses renowned medical facilities and research institutions. Despite facing natural disasters, Harris County showcases resilience and implements measures to mitigate their impact.
With its rich history, economic vitality, multiculturalism, and ongoing growth, Harris County continues to shape Texas as a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and innovation.
Harris County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Harris County, Texas.
Pre-19th Century: The region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Atakapa.
1822: Harrisburg, the county's first settlement, is founded by John Richardson Harris, a pioneer and one of the early Texas colonists.
1836: The Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas independence from Mexico, took place in present-day Harris County.
1837: Harris County is officially established and named after John Richardson Harris.
19th Century: Houston, the county seat and the largest city in Texas, experiences rapid growth due to its strategic location along Buffalo Bayou and the construction of railroads. The city becomes a major commercial and shipping hub, attracting industries such as cotton, lumber, and oil.
20th Century: The discovery of oil in the nearby Spindletop field and the subsequent growth of the oil industry greatly contribute to Harris County's economic development. Houston becomes an energy and petrochemical center.
1960s-1980s: The space industry plays a crucial role in Harris County's history with the establishment of NASA's Johnson Space Center, where mission control for the Apollo program is located.
Today: Harris County continues to be a thriving economic and cultural center. It is home to a diverse population, numerous industries, world-class medical facilities, and renowned cultural institutions.