Presidio County Courthouse
Marfa, TexasBuilt in 1887 in Second Empire architectual style by architect Alfred Giles by contractor James H. Britton.
In February 1886, the county contracted with James H. Britton to construct a courthouse for sixty thousand dollars on land provided by the county. Britton had been the contractor on the now demolished El Paso County Courthouse designed by Alfred Giles. The Marfa courthouse is similar in style and massing to its El Paso counterpart, but it is not as intricately detailed and lacks the ornate porches of the El Paso courthouse. Giles designed the Presidio County Courthouse in the Second Empire style with Italianate details. The exterior walls are constructed of locally manufactured brick. Originally, the brick of the courthouse was exposed, but it was stuccoed over in 1929 and painted a salmon color to resemble the original brick color. Pavilions capped by mansard roofs project from the corners of the rectangular structure. Dormers with triangular pediments and iron cresting pierce the roofs of these pavilions. The corner pavilions are further embellished by quoins. The north and south facades are distinguished by three triangular pediments symmetrical in composition, one of which emphasizes the entrance. The east and west facades have pediments above the entries only. These central entrances project forward and are also enhanced by quoins. The different forms of the five-part facades are unified by several features, including stringcourses that encircle the building at the window sill level of each floor and the decorative cornice that encircles the top of the building. The double hung windows are spanned by a combination of stone lintels and stilted segmental arches. A bracketed metal cornice surrounds the base of the roof. The roofs of the dome and pavilions are covered in diamond shaped metal shingles and are currently painted black. The remainder of the roof is constructed of standing seam metal sheets. The dome rises from the center of the building and forms a focal point for the surrounding area; it is capped by a statue of the Goddess of Justice perched on a broad pedestal. The goddess originally held both a sword and scales. Local legend suggests that a citizen, unhappy with the balance of justice, shot off the scales from the statue. Roman arches span the double hung openings of the octagonal tower that supports the dome. Like many Texas courthouses, the interior of the building is divided into quadrants by the intersecting corridors connecting the four entrances of the building. Located in these quadrants are the offices of the county tax collector, justice of the peace, county judge and county clerk. A circular rotunda is created at the intersection of the corridors. The district courtroom is located on the second floor east of the rotunda, and it occupies the entire top two floors of the east section. Offices are located on the west end of the second and third floors. The interior retains most of its original design and finishes such as the wood doors and wainscoting.
1922: Marfa Electric & Ice Co. installed electric lights in the courthouse.1924: Iron fence removed and concrete walks constructed.1925: Coal house built to the north side of the courthouse.1929: Exterior stucco applied, painted a salmon color.1930: Light fixtures (unknown) purchased from Marfa National Bank.1966: Exterior painted light sand color.1985: Roof replacement, painting, elevator installation, electrical upgrade, insulation.
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.
The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
During the 19th century, Presidio County played a significant role in the Texas Revolution and the Mexican-American War. Fort Leaton, a well-preserved adobe fort, served as an important staging point for both conflicts. In 1848, the Amistad Expedition, a slave rebellion, took place in the county. This event resulted in international controversy and contributed to shifting attitudes towards slavery in Texas.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Presidio County experienced growth and development due to several factors. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1882 spurred economic activity and brought more settlers to the area. Agriculture, particularly ranching and farming, became the primary industries. The county's proximity to the Rio Grande also made it an important trade hub.
However, Presidio County faced challenges and hardships as well. The Mexican Revolution, which began in 1910, had a significant impact on the region due to its borderland location. Smuggling, violence, and instability became prevalent, affecting the county's economy and population. Today, Presidio County reflects its diverse history, with cultural influences from Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American settlers shaping its identity.
Presidio County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Presidio County, Texas.
- 1850 - Presidio County established as one of the original 36 counties of Texas
- 1854 - Fort Defiance established near Presidio to protect against Native American raids
- 1875 - Presidio County seat moved from Fort Davis to Marfa
- 1882 - Marfa and Presidio connected by the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway
- 1884 - The Chinati Mountains declared a federal game reserve, later becoming Chinati Mountains State Natural Area
- 1933 - Marfa becomes a major cattle-shipping center with the construction of the Presidio County Courthouse
- 1998 - Marfa becomes known as an arts destination, after the artist Donald Judd establishes the Chinati Foundation