Historic Courthouse

Val Verde County Courthouse

Del Rio, Texas

Built in 1887 in Second Empire and Classical Revival architectual style by architect Larmour & Watson, 1887; Atlee B. Ayres, 1915 by contractor Hood and McLeod, 1887.

Larmour and Watson designed the Val Verde County Courthouse in 1887. The building is of the Second Empire style with Classical details. The floor plan, similar to that of numerous other nineteenth-century courthouses, is divided into four quadrants containing offices by intersecting corridors. The district courtroom is located on the second floor. On each facade, a triangular pediment with modillions and details emphasizes the entrance. Paired pilasters with geometric decorative features and broken entablatures further enhance each entrance; above these, single pilasters provide visual support for the pediment. The structure is built of tan-colored limestone masonry. The walls are of pitch-faced ashlar, handsomely articulated by a cut stone water table and a cut stone stringcourse. Roman arches of cut stone with pronounced keystones and imposts span the center openings, while stilted arches of cut stone enhance the wall and tower openings. Originally, the openings on alternating sides of the towers were filled with panels of stone; modified openings continue this pattern. In 1915, a third floor was added within the original envelope. When the upper floor openings were modified to accommodate this change, the new spandrels between the windows incorporated ornamental features reminiscent of those removed from the tower cornices. Although three entrances have been modified, the west entrance remains in original condition. As originally constructed, mansard roofs covered with sheet metal and ornamental wrought iron railings topped the pediments, and on one faade, statues of the Goddess of Justice and Goddess of Liberty were positioned on pedestals rising from the sides of the pediment. A mansard roof with decorative ironwork and bull's eye windows rose from the center of the courthouse. There were also octagonal towers surmounted by steeply pitched roofs with finials at the apexes at each corner of the building. All of the mansard roofs have been removed. The central square mansard roof has been replaced with an octagonal dome with a low rise.

'Rebuilt' in 1915 by Atlee B. Ayres, altering entry porticoes and other elements with more Classical Revival detail [possibly following a fire?]. Mansard roofs removed. 1994: Plaster ceiling collapsed, structural damage is evident & county has abandoned the building. A Texas Historic Commission grant-funded restoration included the cleaning and patching of the exterior masonry, as well as the inclusion of replicated hardware and the rebuilding of the 1915 exterior masonry porches at all four entries. The courthouse was rededicated on July 23, 2004. renovation plans by Atlee B. Ayres (UT Alexander Archives)

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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Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
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Val Verde County, located in southwestern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Coahuiltecans and Lipan Apaches. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area, and by the 18th century, Spanish missions were established to convert the native populations to Christianity.

In the early 19th century, Val Verde County became a part of Texas after the Mexican War of Independence. The region saw conflict during the Texas Revolution, with the infamous Battle of Val Verde taking place near the county's namesake river in 1862. The battle, part of the American Civil War, resulted in a Confederate victory.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Val Verde County experienced significant economic growth. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s stimulated agriculture and ranching industries. The county also became a hub for mining, particularly silver, lead, and zinc. The city of Del Rio, the county seat, emerged as an important trading center and transportation hub.

Val Verde County continued to evolve throughout the 20th century. The construction of Amistad Dam in the 1960s brought about the formation of Lake Amistad, which became a popular recreational area. The county's economy shifted to include tourism and outdoor activities, drawing visitors to its natural beauty and historical sites.

Today, Val Verde County remains an important part of Texas history and a vibrant community. Its rich past is celebrated through museums and heritage sites, while the region's diverse cultural and natural resources contribute to its appeal as a tourist destination.

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

  • 1885 - Val Verde County is officially established.
  • 1800s - Indigenous people, including Comanche and Lipan Apache tribes, inhabit the area.
  • 1880 - Southern Pacific Railroad extends through Val Verde County.
  • 1882 - City of Del Rio is founded as the county seat.
  • 1912 - Devil's River State Recreational Area is established.
  • 1942-1946 - Laughlin Army Air Field (now Laughlin Air Force Base) is constructed and operated during World War II.
  • 1952 - Amistad Dam is completed, creating Amistad Reservoir.
  • 1980 - Seminole Canyon State Historical Park and the nearby Fate Bell Shelter are dedicated.
  • 1998 - Val Verde Winery, Texas' oldest continuously operated winery, celebrates its 125th anniversary.