Historic Courthouse

Ochiltree County Courthouse

Perryton, Texas

Built in 1928 in Art Deco architectual style by architect Corlett and Welchons; Hutchinson, Kansas.

In 1974 an addition designed by Terrence Doane was completed by contractor Tom Badrow.

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.

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Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
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Ochiltree County, located in the Texas Panhandle, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Apache and Comanche tribes, who relied on hunting, gathering, and farming for sustenance.

The arrival of European settlers in the 19th century dramatically changed the landscape of Ochiltree County. In 1876, the county was officially created and named after William Beck Ochiltree, a Texas congressman. The town of Perryton was established as the county seat, and quickly became the center of agriculture and trade in the region.

The early settlers faced numerous challenges, including harsh environmental conditions and conflicts with Native American tribes. However, the discovery of oil in the area in the early 20th century brought significant economic growth to Ochiltree County. Oil wells were drilled, leading to the establishment of oil companies and resulting in a boom in population and development.

Today, Ochiltree County continues to be primarily an agricultural community, with farming and ranching playing a vital role in the local economy. The county is also known for its oil and gas production, attracting both residents and businesses looking to take advantage of the industry. Despite its small population, Ochiltree County has a rich history that reflects the resilience and perseverance of its early settlers and their lasting impact on the region.

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

  • 1876 - Ochiltree County is officially founded as a result of the Texas Legislature creating it out of the Bexar District
  • 1880 - The first post office is established in Ochiltree County
  • 1882 - The first railroad line reaches Ochiltree County, boosting transportation and trade
  • 1885 - Perryton becomes the county seat of Ochiltree County
  • 1919 - The agricultural college at Perryton is established, fostering advancements in farming and ranching
  • 1930s - Ochiltree County, like the rest of Texas, experiences the devastating effects of the Great Depression
  • 1950s - The oil industry booms in Ochiltree County, leading to increased economic growth
  • 1995 - The Ochiltree General Hospital is founded, providing improved healthcare services to the community
  • Present - Ochiltree County continues to thrive as an agricultural and oil-producing region