Reagan County Courthouse
Stiles, TexasBuilt in 1911 by architect William Martin by contractor William Martin, Comanche.
2-story rusticated native limestone structure, round-arch entry vestibules, symmetrical plan with detached stone jail and stone vault. This courthouse is still standing in the former town of Stiles, although it was gutted by fire in a case of arson, Christmas Eve, 1999.
Kansas City, Mexico & Orient Railroad bypassed community in 1910; county seat moved to Big Lake in 1925 when population swelled following 1923 oil strike at nearby Santa Rita No. 1.
Current status: Ruin
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 first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
The early history of Reagan County can be traced back to the Native American tribes that inhabited the area, including the Lipan Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa tribes. However, the region began to see significant settlement and development in the late 19th century, as pioneers and ranchers moved in search of new opportunities. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s further facilitated growth and economic activity in the county.
The discovery of oil in Reagan County in the 1940s brought about a major transformation. The oil industry became a significant contributor to the local economy, attracting both large corporations and independent operators. The population of the county grew rapidly during this period, as the demand for labor in the oil fields increased. Today, Reagan County remains an important center for oil production in the Permian Basin, supporting a variety of industries and businesses.
In addition to its economic significance, Reagan County is also known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The county is home to beautiful landscapes and wildlife, drawing visitors who are interested in hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities. The county seat of Reagan County is the city of Big Lake, which serves as a hub for the surrounding communities and offers various amenities and services to residents and visitors alike.
Reagan County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Reagan County, Texas.
- 1876 - Reagan County is established on organized land from Tom Green County.
- Late 1800s - Early settlers begin to arrive in the area.
- 1900s - Ranching becomes the primary industry in the county.
- 1903 - Big Lake, the county seat, is founded.
- 1920s - Oil is discovered in the county, leading to an economic boom.
- 1947 - Reagan County Junior College is established.
- 1960s - Big Lake experiences a population increase due to oil production.
- 1990s - The county experiences a decline in population and economic activity.