Historic Courthouse

Maverick County Courthouse

Eagle Pass, Texas

Built in 1878 ca..

Frame,.

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.

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Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
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Maverick County, located in southwestern Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century. The region originally belonged to the Spanish Empire and was explored by settlers seeking trade routes and access to water. In 1757, Captain José de Urrutia led an expedition to the area, establishing the temporary Presidio de San José de Bagdad, which would later become the basis for the present-day Maverick County.

During the 19th century, Maverick County experienced significant growth with the arrival of Anglo-American settlers. The Texas Revolution of 1836 and the subsequent establishment of the Republic of Texas brought increased interest in the region. The need for protection against native tribes led to the construction of Fort Duncan in 1849, which quickly became an important military outpost and played a strategic role during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848).

The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled the county's growth and development. In 1881, the International-Great Northern Railroad reached Eagle Pass, the county seat, linking Maverick County to regional and national markets. This connectivity facilitated the expansion of agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, and boosted trade and commerce within the county.

In the 20th century, Maverick County experienced a series of economic and political shifts. The discovery of oil and gas reserves in the early 20th century brought increased industrial activity and wealth to the area. However, economic instability and political corruption also plagued the county throughout this period. Efforts to combat corruption and improve infrastructure and services have been ongoing, with varying degrees of success.

Today, Maverick County continues to evolve as a vibrant and diverse community. It is home to a mix of agriculture, ranching, and industrial activities, and its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border plays a significant role in its economic and cultural identity. The county's history is celebrated through various heritage sites, including Fort Duncan Park and historical museums, allowing residents and visitors to explore its fascinating past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Maverick County, Texas.

  • 1870 - Maverick County is officially established as a county in Texas.
  • 1871 - The county seat is established in Eagle Pass.
  • 1872 - The railroad reaches Eagle Pass, bringing economic growth to the area.
  • 1874 - Fort Duncan is established in Eagle Pass to protect the region during conflicts with Native American tribes.
  • 1904 - The Maverick County Courthouse is built in Eagle Pass.
  • 1933 - A major flood devastates Eagle Pass and causes significant damage in Maverick County.
  • 1942 - The Eagle Pass Army Airfield is established and serves as a training base during World War II.
  • 1989 - The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas opens a casino in Maverick County, providing an economic boost to the area.
  • 2010 - The population of Maverick County reaches over 54,000.