Historic Courthouse

Stephens County Courthouse

Breckenridge, Texas

Built in 1883 in Italianate architectual style by architect James Edward Flanders.

Built on a cruciform plan, it was located on the corner of the public square. Entrance pediment crowned by statue of Justice. Constructed of red sandstone with corner cupolas. Front portal remains standing. Stone reused in 1st Assembly Of God church.

Current status: gone/demolished 1927

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.

military topics
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
Texas random facts
Stephens County, Texas, located in the central part of the state, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was once inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche, Kiowa, and Lipan Apache peoples. These tribes relied on the abundant natural resources of the region, including the Brazos and Clear Fork rivers, for sustenance and trade.

European settlement in Stephens County began in the mid-19th century, when pioneers began to establish homesteads in the area. The county was officially created in 1858 and named after Alexander H. Stephens, a prominent politician and Vice President of the Confederate States of America. The first settlement in the area was Fort Davis, which served as protection against Native American raids and as a trading post.

The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought significant economic growth to Stephens County. Oil fields were developed, attracting workers and transforming the county's economy. The town of Breckenridge, the county seat, became known as the "Oil Capital of the World" and experienced a boom in population and infrastructure development.

Throughout its history, Stephens County has faced challenges, including the Great Depression and the decline of the oil industry. However, the county has shown resilience and adaptability, diversifying its economy with industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Today, Stephens County continues to preserve its history and culture, with landmarks like the Stephens County Courthouse and annual events celebrating its heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Stephens County, Texas.

  • 1858 - Stephens County was created from parts of Bosque and Palo Pinto counties.
  • 1876 - The first settlers arrived in the area, attracted by its fertile land.
  • 1879 - The town of Breckenridge was founded and became the county seat.
  • 1880s - The county experienced rapid growth with the arrival of the Texas Central Railroad.
  • 1890s - The discovery of oil brought economic prosperity to the county.
  • 1919 - Stephens County experienced an oil boom, leading to increased population and wealth.
  • 1920s - The county's oil industry continued to grow, attracting more businesses and workers.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression and a decline in oil prices impacted the county's economy.
  • 1940s - Stephens County contributed to the war effort during World War II.
  • 1950s - Oil production rebounded, and the county experienced renewed prosperity.
  • 1980s - The county faced economic challenges due to fluctuations in the oil industry.
  • 1990s - The county diversified its economy, focusing on agriculture and tourism.
  • 2000s - Stephens County continued to attract visitors with its recreational opportunities.