Somervell County Courthouse
Glen Rose, TexasBuilt in 1894 in Romanesque Revival architectual style by architect John Cormack by contractor John Carmachiel.
The Somervell County Courthouse was erected in 1893. John Cormack of San Antonio, Texas designed the building, and it was built with native limestone in the Romanesque Revival style. The structure is a typical rectilinear design with a central hallway placed on the north/south axis. The east and west facades are divided into five-part compositions, while the north and south facades are broken into three parts. Limestone circular arches framing the doors, windows, water table and belt courses further embellish the rusticated stone of the building. A belt course and limestone dentils decorate the cornice area. The central portion of each facade is slightly projected and topped with a pediment that intersects the mansard roof. A clock tower completes the composition of the structure. The roof and tower have been greatly altered through the years since their original construction. Early photographs show the mansard roof and clock tower with elaborate cornice cresting. However, in 1902 a tornado did much damage to this portion of the building, and it was not restored back to this original state until the late 1980s. Following the tornado, which had destroyed most of the cresting and the dignified clock faces, the tower was covered in pressed metal, with the only embellishment being the tower roof cresting and the simple pilasters and keystone arches ornamenting the tower walls. In 1986-1987, the courthouse underwent a complete renovation. The asbestos roof covering was replaced with a dark metal covering, which is more sympathetic to the original roof material. The limestone chimneys and arched ventilating dormers were rebuilt. The clock tower was also restored, and the decorative iron railing was replaced on the roof. On the interior, the dropped ceiling, wood paneling and carpet were removed, and a wood wainscot and more historically sympathetic carpet were installed.
Originally with wrought iron cresting on mansard roof and detailed sheet metal on clock tower; altered in 1975 with wooden shingles covering tower surfaces.1902-courthouse damaged by tornado
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.
In the late 19th century, Somervell County became a prominent center for agriculture and ranching. Cotton was the main crop grown in the county, and many farms and plantations flourished during this time. Additionally, the discovery of large limestone deposits in the county led to the establishment of several quarries, which became an important industry for the area.
One of the most significant events in Somervell County's history occurred in the early 20th century. In 1929, construction began on the Glen Rose Dam, which created the picturesque Lake Granbury. This provided water for irrigation and recreational opportunities, leading to the growth of tourism in the area.
Today, Somervell County continues to thrive with a diverse economy that includes tourism, agriculture, and small businesses. The county is known for its natural beauty, with attractions such as the Dinosaur Valley State Park, which features fossilized dinosaur footprints, and the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, a popular safari park. The historic downtown area of Glen Rose remains a charming destination for visitors, showcasing its rich history through numerous preserved buildings and museums.
Somervell County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Somervell County, Texas.
- 1849 - Somervell County is established as a county by the Texas state legislature.
- 1850 - The first settlers begin arriving in Somervell County.
- 1852 - The county's first post office is established at Glen Rose.
- 1860 - The population of Somervell County reaches 604 residents.
- 1861 - The Civil War begins, and many men from Somervell County join the Confederate Army.
- 1875 - The Texas Central Railroad is completed, passing through Glen Rose and boosting the local economy.
- 1881 - Dinosaur tracks are discovered along the Paluxy River, leading to increased tourism and scientific interest in the area.
- 1906 - The creation of the Brazos River Authority brings hydroelectric power to Somervell County.
- 1929 - The Great Depression heavily impacts the county's agricultural and oil industries.
- 1969 - The Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant is completed, providing a major source of employment and revenue for Somervell County.
- 1990 - The population of Somervell County reaches 6,333 residents.
- 2013 - The creation of the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center attracts tourists from around the world.
- 2019 - Somervell County celebrates its 170th anniversary since its establishment.