Historic Courthouse

Live Oak County Courthouse

George West, Texas

Built in 1919 in Classical Revival architectual style by architect Alfred Giles by contractor Bashear Construction Co..

Last courthouse designed by Alfred Giles. Three storey red brick building with jail on top floor.

Renovation in 1985.

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.

ranching railroads cattle
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Live Oak County is located in the southern part of Texas and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the area was home to various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan, Karankawa, and Lipan Apache tribes. These indigenous peoples relied on the region's abundant natural resources, including honey mesquite, live oak trees, and wildlife.

In the early 18th century, Spanish explorers began to venture into the area, searching for new territories to claim. It wasn't until the early 19th century when Anglo-American settlers arrived in the area. The Spanish government offered land grants to attract settlers, and many families moved to Live Oak County, establishing small ranches and farms. The region's fertile soil and mild climate made it ideal for agriculture, and cotton and cattle quickly became the mainstay of the local economy.

During the mid-19th century, Live Oak County witnessed significant growth and development. In 1856, the county was officially established, named after the live oak trees that were abundant in the area. By this time, more settlements had sprung up, and businesses flourished, including general stores, cotton gins, and blacksmith shops. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted the county's economy, allowing for easier transportation of goods and access to markets.

The early 20th century brought challenges to Live Oak County, as the agricultural sector faced disruptions due to drought, the Great Depression, and changes in farming practices. However, the discovery of oil in the early 1940s brought a significant economic boom, transforming the county once again. Oil companies flocked to Live Oak County, bringing jobs and prosperity to the area. The oil industry continues to be a vital part of the county's economy to this day, alongside agriculture and other industries.

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

  • 1846 - Live Oak County is established as a separate county by the Texas legislature.
  • 1848 - The county is officially organized.
  • 1850s - The population begins to increase due to the establishment of ranching and farming operations.
  • 1881 - The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway is completed, connecting the county to other parts of Texas.
  • 1890s - An oil boom occurs in the county, leading to increased economic activity and population growth.
  • 1920s - The oil industry experiences a decline, leading to a decrease in population and economic slowdown.
  • 1930s - The county is heavily affected by the Great Depression, with many residents facing unemployment and poverty.
  • 1940s - The end of World War II brings an economic boost to the county as industries begin to recover.
  • 1970s - The county experiences another oil boom, leading to increased oil production and economic growth.
  • Present - Live Oak County remains a primarily rural area, known for its agriculture, oil production, and outdoor recreational activities.