Throckmorton County Courthouse
Williamsburg, TexasBuilt in 1879.
County created in 1858 but not organized until 1879.had to be whitewashed repeatedly in the 1880s--also, chimney and cistern were added during that time, as well as flues and guttering. Expense became too great. In 1890 a very close vote was cast to build a new courthouse. This courthouse was sold to J. E. Poole for $235.
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.
European settlers began arriving in the 1850s, establishing small communities and ranches. The county was officially formed in 1858 and named after James W. Throckmorton, who was a former governor of Texas. The economy primarily revolved around agriculture, especially cattle ranching, with large ranches like the 6666 Ranch becoming integral to the county's identity.
During the American Civil War, Throckmorton County was mostly sympathizers of the Confederacy. In the aftermath of the war, the area faced significant challenges, including conflicts with Native American tribes and the decline of the cattle industry. However, the discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought renewed prosperity and economic growth.
Today, Throckmorton County continues to be a rural community with an emphasis on agriculture, oil, and gas. Agriculture remains an important industry, with ranching and farming contributing to the local economy. The county is also a popular destination for hunting and outdoor recreational activities, thanks to its diverse wildlife and expansive natural landscapes. Throckmorton County's history is deeply intertwined with the westward expansion of Texas and its vibrant heritage is celebrated by its residents today.
Throckmorton County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Throckmorton County, Texas.
- 1858: Throckmorton County established
- 1879: First post office opens in Throckmorton
- 1881: First railroad, Wichita Valley Railway, reaches Throckmorton
- 1886: Throckmorton County courthouse constructed
- 1920s: Oil boom brings economic growth
- 1930: Lake Throckmorton constructed for water supply
- 1961: Interstate 20 built, enhancing transportation
- 1990s: Decline in oil industry affects the economy