Historic Courthouse

Parker County Courthouse

Weatherford, Texas

Built in 1886 in Second Empire architectual style by architect W.C. Dodson & Dudley by contractor J.M. Milliken.

Dodson and Dudley designed the Parker County Courthouse in 1885 in the Second Empire style. The three-story limestone courthouse has fourth-story attics and a central tower that adds three additional levels. The building is square in plan with four identical facades. Each facade is divided into five bays by the shallow projection of the central and end pavilions. Convex mansard roofs cap the end pavilions. Each of these roofs has four dormers with pedimented architraves above the arched windows. The central pavilions have gables, and the eaves of the building are accented with irregularly spaced brackets of two sizes. Ashlar pilasters at the corners of each pavilion contrast with the rustication of the rest of the material. The fenestration openings are arched. The first floor windows are of the one-over-one light, and double-hung. The second and third floor windows are continuous vertically, with small pediments above the terminal arch at the third floor. There is a small, somewhat Palladian arrangement of windows at the attic story of the central pavilions. The tower, which is all shingled, is arranged so that a vertical section unites the two convex mansard roofs. The lowest story has paired dormers with broken segmental arch pediments on each side, and the second story has louvered bell-windows with broken segmental arch pediments. The top is ornamented with large clock faces with molded archivolts and prominent keystones.

Renovated in 1956. Exterior recently renovated (1993)Courtroom has been divided into offices.

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.

law courthouses buildings
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Texas random facts
Parker County, TX has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Comanche, before the arrival of European settlers. In the early 1850s, Texas became embroiled in conflicts with the Native American tribes, leading to the establishment of Fort Parker in what is now present-day Parker County. This fort served as protection for early settlers from Native American attacks.

In 1855, Parker County was officially established and named after Fort Parker. The county quickly grew as more settlers flocked to the region attracted by fertile land and an abundance of water sources. The advent of the Texas and Pacific Railway in the late 19th century further spurred growth and development in the county.

Parker County played a significant role in the cattle industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The county's open prairies became an ideal location for cattle ranching, and the development of railroads allowed ranchers to transport their livestock to markets more efficiently. This led to prosperity and economic growth in the county, with many cattle ranches operating successfully.

Over the years, Parker County has seen its fair share of challenges and triumphs. It has weathered economic downturns, faced natural disasters like the devastating tornado outbreak in 1957, and experienced growth in population and urbanization. Today, Parker County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a rich history, welcoming residents, and picturesque landscapes that highlight its enduring legacy as an important part of Texas' past and present.

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

  • 1855: Parker County officially established on December 12.
  • 1856: Fort Worth becomes the county seat.
  • 1872: Weatherford becomes the county seat.
  • 1877: Santa Fe Railroad arrives in Weatherford.
  • 1885: The first oil well is drilled in the county.
  • 1919: Parker County experiences the deadliest tornado in Texas history, resulting in 114 fatalities.
  • 1956: The first major shopping center, Town & Country Shopping Center, opens in Weatherford.
  • 1974: Weatherford College is established.
  • 1993: Lake Weatherford Dam fails, causing significant flooding in the area.
  • 2010: Parker County celebrates its 155th anniversary.