Maverick County Courthouse
Public Sq., Eagle Pass, TXThe courthouse possesses architectural and historical significance.Architecturally, the form of the original section with its angled corners is unusual in Texas. In addition, the brick detailing is noteworthy. Historically, the building has been the center of county government for nearly a century.
Located adjacent to the southwest border of Texas, Maverick County was created in 1856, but was not organized until 1871--it was named for Samuel A. Maverick who served Texas during the Revolution and who later became a prominent political figure. The area had been traversed by numerous expeditions in Spanish colonial days.
Anglo-American settlement began in 1849 when the United States Army established Fort Duncan. During the following year the town of Eagle Pass was laid out. Early residents included discharged soldiers and California-bound immigrants who became stranded. However, life in the area was accompanied by numerous hardships; the climate was aria making agriculture difficult; then Indian hostilities made settlement hazardous. The county population at the time the present courthouse was erected was probably under 4,000.
Located adjacent to the Rio Grande, Eagle Pass was made the county seat. During the nineteenth century its main activities were trade and military related work.Immediately after the county was organized, a house was rented for "court purposes." In 1872 taxpayers conducted a meeting to propose ways and means to pay for a courthouse and jail. Subsequently, bonds were sold and a tax levied to pay them off. The following year plans were adopted, although a site had not yet been selected. Finally, by1878 a building containing a courtroom and jail, apparently of wood frame construction, was furnished. However, this soon proved inadequate.In 1884 county commissioners noted that a new courthouse was "imperative." Soon thereafter the plans of Wahrenberger and Beckman of San Antonio were accepted. At the end of July bids were received and the contract awarded to William Hausser. It was accepted shortly thereafter.
Local significance of the building:
Located adjacent to the southwest border of Texas, Maverick County was created in 1856, but was not organized until 1871--it was named for Samuel A. Maverick who served Texas during the Revolution and who later became a prominent political figure. The area had been traversed by numerous expeditions in Spanish colonial days.
Anglo-American settlement began in 1849 when the United States Army established Fort Duncan. During the following year the town of Eagle Pass was laid out. Early residents included discharged soldiers and California-bound immigrants who became stranded. However, life in the area was accompanied by numerous hardships; the climate was aria making agriculture difficult; then Indian hostilities made settlement hazardous. The county population at the time the present courthouse was erected was probably under 4,000.
Located adjacent to the Rio Grande, Eagle Pass was made the county seat. During the nineteenth century its main activities were trade and military related work.Immediately after the county was organized, a house was rented for "court purposes." In 1872 taxpayers conducted a meeting to propose ways and means to pay for a courthouse and jail. Subsequently, bonds were sold and a tax levied to pay them off. The following year plans were adopted, although a site had not yet been selected. Finally, by1878 a building containing a courtroom and jail, apparently of wood frame construction, was furnished. However, this soon proved inadequate.In 1884 county commissioners noted that a new courthouse was "imperative." Soon thereafter the plans of Wahrenberger and Beckman of San Antonio were accepted. At the end of July bids were received and the contract awarded to William Hausser. It was accepted shortly thereafter.
Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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.
About Maverick County
Maverick County Timeline
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.
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.
Maverick County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in 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.