Runnels County Courthouse
Ballinger, TexasBuilt in 1889 in Second Empire and Italianate architectual style by architect Eugene Thomas Heiner by contractor Thomas Lovell.
Stone,.
Current status: existing / modified
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 city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
In the mid-19th century, European settlers began to establish communities in the area that would become Runnels County. The county was officially established in 1858, named after Hiram G. Runnels, the third governor of the state of Mississippi. The first county seat was Runnels City, but it was later moved to the current county seat of Ballinger in 1888.
Like many areas in Texas, Runnels County experienced a boom in population and economic activity in the late 19th century due to the cattle industry and the arrival of the railroad. The county became known for its ranching and farming, with cotton becoming a prominent crop. The development of infrastructure, such as schools, churches, and businesses, contributed to the growth of the county during this period.
The early 20th century brought challenges to Runnels County, most notably the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. The economy suffered as agricultural production declined, and many residents were forced to leave in search of better opportunities. However, the county persevered, and in the latter half of the 20th century, industries such as oil and gas extraction, manufacturing, and renewable energy began to emerge, providing new sources of economic stability.
Today, Runnels County continues to be a predominantly rural community with a strong agricultural heritage. The county's small towns offer a glimpse into its past with historic buildings and museums, showcasing the history and culture of this resilient region in central Texas.
Runnels County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Runnels County, Texas.
- 1858 - Runnels County is officially established and named after Hiram G. Runnels, a former Texas governor
- Mid to late 1800s - Settlements and ranching communities begin to form in the area
- 1886 - Ballinger, the county seat, is founded and becomes a major center for trade and agriculture
- Early 1900s - Runnels County experiences a boom in cotton farming, contributing to its economic growth
- 1920s - Oil is discovered in the county, leading to increased industrial development
- 1940s - World War II and the construction of Camp Bowie near Brownwood greatly impact the local economy
- 1960s - Construction of O.H. Ivie Reservoir begins, providing a reliable water source for the county
- 1980s - Decline in oil production and agriculture affects the county's economy
- 2000s - Efforts to diversify the economy and promote tourism are implemented