Historic Courthouse

Wheeler County Courthouse

Mobeetie, Texas

Built in 1880 in Italianate architectual style.

2 story, stone quarried by Irish masons from the Emanuel Dubbs homestead nine miles east of Mobeetie, building was condemned in 1888 due to lack of reinforcement pins in the masonry.

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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Wheeler County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Kiowa, Comanche, and Cheyenne, who relied on the bountiful resources of the land for survival. In the early 18th century, Spanish explorers and traders began to venture into the region, establishing some of the first European presence in what is now Wheeler County.

The county's formal establishment occurred in 1876, when it was carved out of Bexar County and named after Royal T. Wheeler, a chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court. During the late 19th century, Wheeler County experienced rapid growth as settlers migrated to the area to take advantage of the Homestead Act, which offered land grants to individuals and families. Cattle ranching became a prominent industry, and the county's economy thrived.

In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil in the nearby Panhandle fields brought a new wave of prosperity to Wheeler County. Oil wells were drilled, and the county experienced an economic boom, attracting both workers and investors. However, this period of prosperity was followed by the Great Depression, which led to a decline in economic activity and population.

In recent years, Wheeler County has focused on preserving its historical heritage and natural beauty. The county offers visitors opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing, and camping. Additionally, museums and historical sites in the area showcase the county's fascinating past, allowing residents and visitors to appreciate the rich history of Wheeler County, Texas.

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

  • 1876 - Wheeler County is officially established on August 21, 1876
  • 1880 - The town of Mobeetie becomes the first county seat
  • 1881 - Wheeler City is founded and becomes the new county seat
  • 1886 - The first courthouse in Wheeler City is built
  • 1900 - A new brick courthouse is constructed in Wheeler City
  • 1930 - The discovery of oil leads to a boom in Wheeler County
  • 1950 - A new courthouse is built in Wheeler to accommodate the growing population
  • 1960 - The population of Wheeler County reaches its peak at over 10,000 residents
  • 1986 - A tornado devastates parts of Wheeler County, causing widespread destruction
  • 2000 - The population of Wheeler County decreases to around 5,000 residents
  • 2010 - Wheeler County celebrates its 134th anniversary