Lampasas County Courthouse
Lampasas, TexasBuilt in 1883 in Second Empire architectual style by architect W.C. Dodson by contractor Kane Bros. Construction Co..
The Lampasas County Courthouse is a Second Empire style structure designed in 1883 by W. C. Dodson. The moderately sized building has an overall rectangular shape, with identical five-bay compositions on the northwest and southeast facades, and similar three-bay compositions on the northeast and southwest facades. The courthouse, built of native limestone, has vermiculated ashlar walls with smooth-faced ashlar used in the quoins, belt course, jambs, window lintels and entrance portico. The structure's mansard roof is constructed of a combination of diamond shaped tin shingles and a standing-seam tin covering. Rising from the center of the structure is a bell tower that is covered with diamond pattern shingles and has a convex mansard roof with a deck above. The tower's four clock faces have pedimented circular architraves and detached sills. The facades of the courthouse are treated as though the building were a two-story structure with a high ceilinged first and second floor. In the interior, however, the upper level is actually divided again, forming a third floor. The upper windows of the courthouse facades actually light both the second and third floors. The windows are all steel casement-type replacements, and most are arranged under either round semi-circular arches, hood-like segmental arch lintels or hood-like semi-circular lintels with keystones. The northeast and southwest facades have a central projecting entrance pavilion with a gable roof. Smooth-faced voussoirs and a keystone, flanked by pairs of pilasters, surround the double doors and the fanlight at the main entrances. Additional embellishments include cornices with cyma reversa crown molds, which are located on the pavilion gables, between the hips of the mansard roof, and on the entablature of the main block of the courthouse. There are also small, decorated gables over some windows on the main structure, and gable-like pediments appear over windows on the tower.
1937: Wood windows replaced with steel. Courtroom ceiling lowered approx. 5 feet, & a steel truss installed in the 'new' attic space to support the tower. Three offices to the north side of the courtroom added. Red & green vct flooring installed above wood floors.1937 work was removed revealing the 1937 ceiling height. Pressed metal from the original ceiling relocated to the 1937 courtroom location.1969: Elevator installed1983: Courthouse centennial was celebrated by restoring the clock tower and the hand-wound works were converted to electricity. Men's restroom added to jury room.1985: Acoustical dropped ceiling that had been added in courtroom removed allowing pressed metal ceiling to be seen.
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.
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
In 1852, Lampasas County was officially established, named after the Lampasas River that runs through the area. The county quickly became a prominent agricultural region, with cotton being the primary crop. The arrival of the Texas and Land Company railroad in 1882 further stimulated the local economy, as it facilitated trade and transportation in the area.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lampasas County also experienced economic growth due to the discovery of mineral resources. Manganese and zinc mining industries played a significant role in the county's development. Additionally, the city of Lampasas became a popular health resort destination, thanks to the therapeutic value of the local natural springs.
Throughout the years, Lampasas County has faced its fair share of challenges. The region went through difficult times during the Great Depression, with the decline of the agricultural industry. However, the county managed to bounce back and diversify its economy, embracing tourism and other industries. Today, Lampasas County remains a vibrant community with a blend of historical charm and modern development.
Lampasas County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lampasas County, Texas.
- 1854 - Lampasas County is founded and named after the Lampasas River.
- 1872 - The town of Lampasas becomes the county seat.
- 1882 - The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway is completed through the county.
- 1885 - The first oil well in central Texas is drilled in Lampasas County.
- 1922 - The Hancock Springs Hotel, a popular health resort, is built.
- 1949 - The Fort Hood military reservation is established, impacting the county's economy.
- 1960s - The construction of the Highland Lakes dams brings tourism and recreation to the area.
- 1990s - The county experiences population growth and increased development.