Historic Courthouse

Hopkins County Courthouse

Sulfur Springs, Texas

Built in 1894 in Richardsonian Romanesque architectual style by architect J. Riely Gordon.

San Antonio architect J. Riely Gordon was noted for the design of a number of Central Texas courthouses in which he developed a distinctive Romanesque Revival idiom. The typical Gordon courthouse is characterized by the use of towers, turrets and similar elements in broken massing, as well as by the use of polychromatic ashlar masonry. In a departure from the traditional cross-axial plan, Gordon developed a cruciform layout in which a central space is surrounded by a gallery and then by adjoining rooms, and a stairway is located in a central position convenient to all of the rooms. Access to the building is provided at the re-entrant angles of the resulting Greek cross plan. While similar in plan to Gordon's other efforts, the Hopkins County Courthouse, designed in 1894, differs from the traditional layout of Texas courthouses. Inspired by the building's unique location, across the street from the main square rather than in the middle, the design with entrances at the northwest and southwest angles and three-story quarter-circular bays at the northeast and southeast angles lacks the normal quadrilateral symmetry of entrances. The entrances are a three-story, quarter-circular bay with flat arched windows on the first level and elongated arched windows on the second level, which have since been filled in. A combination of ashlar masonry in pink granite and polished blue granite make up the walls. The steps are also polished blue granite. Red sandstone voussoirs, lintels and strip courses complete the vivid polychromatic treatment. The dominant architectural feature is a hip-roofed central tower set off by ornamental turrets and dormers that break up the roofline. Further embellishments include heavily carved cartouches that bear the date of construction, carvings of designs and faces located below small balconies in the center of the north and south facades, and a band of stones of contrasting hue set in a checkerboard pattern that forms a border at the roof line.

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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.

law courthouses buildings
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
Texas random facts
Hopkins County, located in northeast Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee, until European settlers began arriving in the early 1800s. In 1841, the Texas Congress established Hopkins County and named it after Samuel Hopkins, a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto.

The county's development was greatly influenced by the arrival of the railroad in the late 1870s. The construction of the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, also known as the Cotton Belt Route, opened up new opportunities for trade and agriculture in the area. This led to an increase in population and the establishment of several communities, including Sulphur Springs, the county seat.

Agriculture played a significant role in the county's economy. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for growing crops such as cotton, corn, and wheat. The introduction of new farming techniques and machinery further improved productivity. In addition to agriculture, the county also had thriving industries such as dairy farming, timber harvesting, and oil and gas production.

Over the years, Hopkins County has maintained its agricultural heritage while embracing modern developments. Today, the county is known for its annual Hopkins County Fall Festival, which celebrates the community's history and culture. It also boasts numerous parks, recreational areas, and historic sites, attracting visitors from near and far. Hopkins County continues to be a vibrant and evolving community, combining its rich history with a focus on progress and growth.

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

  • 1846 - Hopkins County is formed from portions of Lamar and Nacogdoches counties.
  • 1849 - The county's first settlement, Tarrant, is established.
  • 1870 - The city of Sulphur Springs is founded as the county seat.
  • 1872 - The Texas and Pacific Railway is built through the county, boosting economic development.
  • 1884 - The county courthouse, known as the "Old White Courthouse," is constructed in Sulphur Springs.
  • 1961 - Lake Fork Reservoir is completed, providing a new recreational attraction for the county.
  • 1985 - The city of Sulphur Springs is designated as the "World Champion Hopkins County Stew Capital."
  • 2000 - The Hopkins County Veterans Memorial is dedicated to honor local veterans.