Historic Courthouse

Kenedy County Courthouse

Sarita, Texas

Built in 1917 in Classical Revival architectual style by architect Henry T. Phelps.

Three story reinforced concrete building began construction in 1917 at the creation of Kenedy County.

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.

gravesites
Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
Texas random facts
Kenedy County, located in the southern part of Texas, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, such as the Karankawa and Lipan Apache, who lived off the land and relied on hunting and gathering for survival. In the 18th century, Spanish explorers and settlers began to explore the region, leaving their mark on the area's culture and architecture.

The county was officially established in 1921 and named after Mifflin Kenedy, a prominent rancher and entrepreneur who played a crucial role in the development of South Texas. With its vast open spaces and fertile soil, Kenedy County became a hub for agriculture, particularly cattle ranching. Many ambitious ranchers and entrepreneurs flocked to the region, transforming it into a thriving hub of economic activity.

During the early 20th century, oil was discovered in the area, further fueling the county's economic growth. As oil drilling and production operations expanded, Kenedy County experienced an influx of workers and businesses, leading to an increase in population and development. Today, the county's economy is driven by several industries, including oil and gas, agriculture, and tourism.

Throughout its history, Kenedy County has remained an iconic symbol of Texas' cowboy culture and frontier spirit. Its vast landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and strong ties to the ranching industry attract visitors from all over the world. The county continues to evolve and adapt to the changing times while preserving its unique history and traditions.

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

  • 1860 - Kenedy County is created from parts of Cameron and Willacy counties.
  • 1860s - The area is primarily used for ranching.
  • 1870 - The King Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the world, is established in the county.
  • 1911 - Sarita, the county seat, is founded.
  • 1921 - The St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway reaches Sarita, improving transportation in the area.
  • 1940s - The King Ranch and other ranches in the area begin to intensify oil exploration activities.
  • 1948 - Oil is discovered in the county, leading to increased economic development.
  • 1961 - U.S. President John F. Kennedy is assassinated, and the county is renamed in his honor.
  • 1970s - The economy shifts from predominantly agricultural to oil and gas production.
  • 1995 - Kenedy County becomes one of the last counties in Texas to receive its first traffic light.
  • 2010 - A wind farm is established in the county, providing renewable energy.