Willacy County Courthouse
Raymondville, TexasBuilt in 1922 in Classical Revival architectual style.
Grand 3 story brick structure with limestone details. Heavy limestone cornice; Paired monumental Ionic columns flank the main entries.
Many windows have been sealed shut with composition boards; window unit air conditioners; handicap ramp
-1996 Window rehabilitation?
-1997 Third floor renovation? (authorized?)
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.
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.
The area was primarily inhabited by indigenous people for centuries before European colonizers arrived in the 18th century. The Spanish explorers and missionaries had a significant influence on the region, establishing several missions and ranchos. The impact of Spanish colonization can still be seen in the county's numerous Spanish place names.
During the 19th century, settlement began to increase with the arrival of European and American settlers. Agriculture, especially cotton farming, became the backbone of the county's economy. The development of railroads in the late 1800s further encouraged growth, as transportation became more accessible. The completion of the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway in the early 1900s played a crucial role in connecting Willacy County to other parts of the state and the country, leading to further economic expansion.
In the mid-20th century, the county's economy underwent a major shift from agriculture to oil and gas production. The discovery of oil and the establishment of oil fields brought jobs and prosperity to the area. Alongside the oil industry, the county also became known for its livestock production and tourism, with its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico making it a popular vacation destination. Today, Willacy County continues to evolve, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, energy, tourism, and manufacturing.
Willacy County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Willacy County, Texas.
- 1829: Mexican land grants are awarded in the area that is now Willacy County.
- 1836: Texas gains independence from Mexico.
- 1850s: Settlers begin to establish farms and ranches in the area.
- 1856: The community of Santa Monica is established.
- 1875: The town of Willacy is founded.
- 1881: The St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway reaches the area.
- 1911: Willacy County is officially formed from parts of Cameron and Hidalgo Counties.
- 1921: A hurricane devastates the area, causing significant damage and loss of life.
- 1930s: The region experiences an economic boom due to the discovery of oil and natural gas.
- 1962: The Raymondville Detention Center is established as the first privately operated immigration detention center in the United States.