La Salle County Courthouse
Cotulla, TexasBuilt in 1884 in Second Empire architectual style.
2-story, brick masonry, tower, cresting, clock, exterior shutters.
1896: destroyed by fire
Current status: gone/burned 12/1896
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 first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
In the early 19th century, the area that is now La Salle County became a part of the Republic of Texas after the Texas Revolution. It was named after René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, a French explorer who had ventured through the region in the 1680s. The county was officially established in 1858, and its first county seat was Old Frio City.
The discovery of oil in the mid-20th century brought significant changes to La Salle County. The influx of oil workers and the establishment of oil fields led to a boom in the local economy and population. With the growth of the oil industry, the county seat was moved from Cotulla to Encinal in 1881, and then back to Cotulla in 1892, where it remains today.
Over the years, La Salle County has also played a significant role in the ranching industry, with large cattle ranches dominating the landscape. Today, the county is known for its oil and gas production, as well as its agricultural activities. Despite the modernization and changes, La Salle County's history and heritage are still celebrated, and its past is evident in its cultural landmarks and traditions.
La Salle County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of La Salle County, Texas.
- 1689 - French explorer, Henri Joutel, discovers La Salle County.
- 18th century - Spanish colonization of the area begins.
- 1821 - The area becomes a part of the Mexican Empire after gaining independence from Spain.
- 1836 - Texas declares independence from Mexico.
- 1848 - Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War, and La Salle County becomes a part of the United States.
- 1858 - La Salle County is officially established.
- 1883 - The first railroad reaches La Salle County, leading to growth and development.
- 1900s - The discovery of oil and gas resources boosts the county's economy.
- 1920s - The Great Depression negatively impacts the county's economy.
- 1960s - The establishment of the Eagle Ford Shale formation leads to increased oil and gas production.
- Present - La Salle County continues to be a hub for oil and gas exploration and production.