Historical Marker

Rains County Courthouse

Historical marker location:
167 Quitman St, Emory, Texas
( Emory, 167 Quitman Street)
Marker installed: 2002
Marker size: 27" x 42"

The community of Emory was once called Springville, part of Wood County. In 1870, the Texas Legislature created Rains County from portions of four other counties. Named for early Texas patriot Emory Rains, the county chose Springville as its center of government, renaming it Emory and choosing an existing public square for the site of the county courthouse.

The first courthouse, a temporary log structure, served the county for nearly two years, when a two-room building was constructed. It and all the records housed within it burned in 1879, and the county returned to the log structure until a two-story, red brick courthouse was completed in 1884. It was gutted by fire in 1908, but the steel vault containing county records survived the fire. The Bryan Architectural Company of St. Louis, Missouri was selected to design a new courthouse, built around the steel vault still in its original location. Crushed brick from the 1884 building was used in the foundation. The Falls City Construction Company of Louisville, Kentucky served as builder, and the new facility opened in 1909.

The courthouse exhibits a unique cruciform plan with projecting wings. The exterior is of ginger brick, produced at the Fraser Brick Co. in Ginger (3 mi. East); both the town and brick were named for the distinctive clay color. Designed in the Classical Revival style, the structure features pilasters and pediment-capped entries, as well as a central dome, reportedly not part of the original design.

The courthouse square has long served as a social gathering place. Notable speakers on the square have included U.S. Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn and former president Lyndon Johnson. The site of community fairs, festivals, celebrations and parades, the square continues to be a focal point for Emory and Rains County.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2002

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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Rains County, located in northeastern Texas, has a rich history that spans back to the mid-19th century. The area was initially an integral part of Henderson County until it officially became a separate county on June 9, 1870. It was named after Emory Rains, who served as the Texas State Legislature representative and was known for his contributions to the area's development.

The first settlers in Rains County arrived in the early 1850s, primarily from the southern United States. They were drawn to the fertile land and abundant water sources, such as the Sabine River and its tributaries. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the county's economy, with cotton, corn, and livestock playing major roles.

The construction of the Texas and New Orleans Railroad in the late 1880s bolstered the county's growth, as it provided an important transportation link to nearby towns and markets. The railroad brought prosperity and new opportunities, leading to the establishment of the county seat, Emory. The town was named after Emory Rains and became a hub of commerce, education, and social activities in the region.

Despite the challenges posed by the Great Depression and the decline of agriculture in the mid-20th century, Rains County continued to thrive with the development of recreational areas and the growth of tourism. Lake Tawakoni, one of the largest lakes in Texas, was completed in 1960, which drew visitors and outdoor enthusiasts to the area. Today, Rains County remains a close-knit community, focused on preserving its history while embracing the opportunities of the modern era.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Rains County, Texas.

  • 1870 - Rains County was established on June 9, 1870, named after Emory Rains, a Texas state legislator.
  • 1871 - The first county officials were elected and the county seat was established in the city of Emory.
  • 1873 - The first courthouse was built in Emory.
  • 1878 - The Texas and Pacific Railway extended a line into Rains County, boosting economic growth.
  • 1880 - The population of Rains County reached 3,901.
  • 1892 - The second courthouse was constructed in Emory.
  • 1913 - A fire destroyed the second courthouse, prompting the construction of the third courthouse.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression brought economic struggles to Rains County.
  • 1970s - The population of Rains County began to decline.
  • 2001 - Lake Tawakoni State Park was established, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
  • 2010s - The population of Rains County started to grow again, with increased interest in rural living and lakefront properties.