Historic Courthouse

Sutton County Courthouse

Sonora, Texas

Built in 1891 in Second Empire architectual style by architect Oscar Ruffini.

In 1884, F. E. Ruffini received a duplicate set of plans for the Tom Green County Courthouse from his brother, Oscar, who had been hired as superintendent of construction for the new courthouse in San Angelo. F. E. was so taken with the design by W. W. Larmour that he adapted the form to create his plans for the Blanco County Courthouse in Blanco. The design proved so successful, Ruffini quickly presented the plans to two other counties: Callahan and Concho (Dickey, pp. 125-6). After F. E. Ruffini's death in 1885, Oscar submitted the plans to secure courthouse commissions in Sutton and Mills Counties. Of the five courthouses constructed using the design, three survive, in Blanco, Concho and Sutton Counties. The Second Empire-styled courthouse is laid out on the traditional cross-axial plan, with wide corridors dividing the ground floor into four equal quadrants. Offices and storage spaces located in these quadrants were allocated in the original plan to the county and district clerks, sheriff, county treasurer, tax assessor, surveyor, county judge and chambers for the commissioners' court. Stairways at either side of the east-west hall rise simply to a graceful curve at the top. An imposingly scaled courtroom and several jury rooms occupy the second floor. Much of the historic interior detailing can be seen in the pressed metal ceilings and handsome wooden staircases. On the exterior of the two-story stone structure, the walls are constructed with cream-colored ashlar masonry, with cut stone quoins and a cut stone stringcourse that separates the two floors and forms a base for the tall narrow window openings. A wide metal cornice is carried on ornamental brackets. Above the cornice rests the mansard roof, rising in three sections and featuring framed circular dormers and metal trim that contrasts with the cornice. Mansard pavilions with wrought iron cresting accent the entry bays. At each elevation the entrances are further emphasized by a triangular pediment. The north and south entries are flanked by projecting bays with cornices slightly higher than the adjacent wall surfaces.

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.

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The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
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Sutton County is located in southwest Texas and has a rich history dating back to the Native American tribes that inhabited the region for thousands of years. The first recorded European settlement in the area was established in the mid-1800s, when a group of pioneers led by Moses and Asa Sutton settled near the headwaters of the Llano River. The county was officially formed in 1887 and named after the Sutton family.

In the late 19th century, ranching became a significant economic activity in Sutton County, with large cattle ranches dominating the landscape. The area's abundant grasslands and access to water sources made it conducive to ranching, and it attracted many ranchers looking to establish their businesses. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s further stimulated growth and trade in the county.

In the early 20th century, silver mining also played a crucial role in Sutton County's history. The boom in silver production attracted miners from all over Texas and beyond. The town of Sonora, which had been established earlier as a cattle trading center, became a hub for silver mining operations. Although the silver boom was short-lived and ended by the 1920s, its impact on the economy and population of the area was significant.

Today, Sutton County continues to be primarily an agricultural area, with cattle ranching being the main industry. The county is known for its natural beauty, including the scenic canyons and rivers that provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in tourism, with visitors exploring the area's history and enjoying activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. Sutton County's history and vibrant present make it an intriguing part of Texas' diverse landscape.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Sutton County, Texas.

  • Sutton County, TX was established in 1887.
  • In 1899, the town of Sonora was founded as the county seat.
  • In the early 1900s, the area experienced a boom in ranching and farming.
  • In 1922, oil was discovered in Sutton County, leading to an oil boom.
  • During the Great Depression, the county suffered from economic hardships.
  • In the 1950s, the construction of Lake Amistad began, providing a new water source and recreational opportunities.
  • In 1978, a small airplane crashed in Sutton County, resulting in the deaths of country music singer Jim Reeves and his manager.
  • Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Sutton County has continued to focus on ranching, oil production, and tourism.