Jasper County Courthouse
Public Sq., Jasper, TXThe Jasper County Courthouse has both architectural and historical significance. While the spatial arrangement and details were typical of the 1880s, the rhythm of the openings is somewhat atypical. The building has been continuously the center of county activities and still serves as the seat of government, an election center, and a general meeting place.
Located in East Texas, Jasper County, one of 23 original counties, was created in 1836 and was organized the same year. East and west boundaries were the Sabine River and the Neches River. In 1824 John Bevil was the first white settler to arrive at the site of the present county seat. He named the county and town he founded after William Jasper, a hero of the American Revolution. In 1846 the county was divided in half from north to south with the eastern section becoming Newton County.
The first courthouse for Jasper County was a two-room log cabin on the site of the present courthouse. In 1849 this shelter burned to the ground.
Three years later, a two-story frame courthouse was built. L.O. Mattingly was the architect and builder. This served until 1889 when work on the temple still in use was commenced.
Located in East Texas, Jasper County, one of 23 original counties, was created in 1836 and was organized the same year. East and west boundaries were the Sabine River and the Neches River. In 1824 John Bevil was the first white settler to arrive at the site of the present county seat. He named the county and town he founded after William Jasper, a hero of the American Revolution. In 1846 the county was divided in half from north to south with the eastern section becoming Newton County.
The first courthouse for Jasper County was a two-room log cabin on the site of the present courthouse. In 1849 this shelter burned to the ground.
Three years later, a two-story frame courthouse was built. L.O. Mattingly was the architect and builder. This served until 1889 when work on the temple still in use was commenced.
Bibliography
Walter Prescott Webb (ed.), The Handbook of Texas (Austin: The Texas Historical Association, 1952), Vol. I, p.
Jasper County Commissioners' Court Minutes, Office of the County Clerk, Jasper County Courthouse, Vols. A, B.
Jasper County Commissioners' Court Minutes, Office of the County Clerk, Jasper County Courthouse, Vols. A, B.
Politics/government
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.
About Jasper County
Jasper County Timeline
Jasper County, Texas has a rich history dating back many centuries. The land where Jasper County now stands was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Atakapan and Alabama-Coushatta peoples. European settlers began to arrive in the area in the early 19th century, primarily from other parts of the southern United States.
Jasper County was officially established on February 1, 1836, just weeks before the independence of Texas from Mexico. The county was named after William Jasper, a hero from the American Revolutionary War. In the early days of the county, logging and farming were the primary economic activities. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further contributed to the growth and development of Jasper County.
The county experienced significant changes during the 20th century. The discovery of oil in the East Texas Oil Field in the early 1930s brought an economic boom to Jasper County, leading to increased population and infrastructure development. However, the area also faced challenges, including racial tension and civil rights struggles during the mid-20th century.
Today, Jasper County continues to thrive, with a diverse economy including oil and gas, timber, agriculture, and tourism. The county is known for its natural beauty, including the scenic Angelina National Forest and the serene waters of the Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Jasper, the county seat, serves as a hub for commerce and government activities. The history and heritage of Jasper County are celebrated through various cultural events and museums, ensuring that its past remains an integral part of its present and future.
Jasper County was officially established on February 1, 1836, just weeks before the independence of Texas from Mexico. The county was named after William Jasper, a hero from the American Revolutionary War. In the early days of the county, logging and farming were the primary economic activities. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further contributed to the growth and development of Jasper County.
The county experienced significant changes during the 20th century. The discovery of oil in the East Texas Oil Field in the early 1930s brought an economic boom to Jasper County, leading to increased population and infrastructure development. However, the area also faced challenges, including racial tension and civil rights struggles during the mid-20th century.
Today, Jasper County continues to thrive, with a diverse economy including oil and gas, timber, agriculture, and tourism. The county is known for its natural beauty, including the scenic Angelina National Forest and the serene waters of the Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Jasper, the county seat, serves as a hub for commerce and government activities. The history and heritage of Jasper County are celebrated through various cultural events and museums, ensuring that its past remains an integral part of its present and future.
Jasper County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jasper County, Texas.
- 1835 - Jasper County is established on February 1st.
- 1846 - The county seat is moved from Bevilport to Jasper.
- 1861-1865 - Jasper County residents participate in the American Civil War.
- 1881 - The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway is built through Jasper County.
- 1901 - The Spindletop oil strike near Beaumont triggers an oil boom in the area, benefiting Jasper County.
- 1950s-1970s - The construction of Sam Rayburn Reservoir boosts the county's economy and recreational opportunities.
- 1996 - Jasper County experiences racial tension and protests following the murder of James Byrd Jr.