Rains County Courthouse
167 E. Quitman Street, Emory Texas
Jurisdiction:
State Antiquities Landmarks (SALs) are designated by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and receive legal protection under the Antiquities Code of Texas (the Code). The Code defines all cultural resources on non-federal public lands in the State of Texas as eligible to be designated as SALs. Historic buildings and other aboveground historic resources must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places before they can be designated as SALs, but archeological sites do not have the same prerequisite.
SAL designation does not mean that sites or buildings cannot be altered or destroyed. The land-owning agency must consult with the THC about such proposed actions through the permit process, and the THC will determine whether the work will be allowed.
Buildings designated as SALs are listed in the Texas Historic Sites Atlas. However, information about designated archeological sites is not available to the general public to protect the sites from vandalism and destruction.
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
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.
Rains County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.