Wilson County Courthouse
Floresville, TexasBuilt in 1884 in Italianate architectual style by architect Alfred Giles by contractor Col. Sidney Mead.
By 1883, Wilson County had outgrown its first courthouse. The county appropriated $3,700 and sold city lots to finance a new two-story courthouse. Alfred Giles designed the new county courthouse in the Italianate style, and Sidney Mead built it for $27,000. It was completed in 1884. Stuccoed brick lines the exterior walls of the two-story structure; a sheet metal cornice with supporting brackets and consoles terminates the pressed tin roof; and a large pyramidal-roofed tower crowns the structure. The building's facades are pierced with segmental arch windows on the ground floor and with round arch openings on the second floor. Quoins provide visual support at every corner, while stringcourses unite these quoins and the hood molds on each floor. One-story porticos supported by two columns and surmounted with a balustrade mark the entrances on three facades (the rear portico was altered when a rear addition was constructed). The front or southwest facade is distinguished from the others by a statue standing atop the central gabled bay. The building originally displayed a T-shaped floor plan, with offices and jury rooms on the first floor and courtroom and offices on the upper floor. While the interior of the courthouse retains much of its original detailing, the exterior has received some alterations. A small room was added on the southeast facade, a two-story wing was attached at the north corner, and a large one-story addition was built on to the east corner. These additions took place in the 1930s and 1950s.
1936: Exterior stuccoed to protect the weathered bricks.
1991: Roof replaced and limited exterior restoration done as result of hail storm.
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.
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
In the early 1800s, the region that is now Wilson County was part of the DeWitt Colony, a settlement established by Green DeWitt. The area played a crucial role in the Texas Revolution, with the Battle of Refugio taking place nearby in 1836. As the conflict between Texas colonists and Mexican forces raged on, the region became a hotbed of activity and witnessed significant military actions.
Wilson County was officially established in 1860, named in honor of James Charles Wilson, a Texas state legislator who fought in the battle of San Jacinto. The county experienced rapid growth in the 19th century due to the establishment of ranching and farming communities. Cattle ranching became a prominent industry, and the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted economic development.
The county faced challenges in the 20th century, including the Great Depression, which resulted in a decline in agricultural productivity. However, the discovery of oil and gas reserves brought renewed economic prosperity to the area. Today, Wilson County is known for its diverse economy, which includes agriculture, oil and gas production, and manufacturing. The region has preserved much of its historical heritage and continues to celebrate its unique cultural and historical significance.
Wilson County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Wilson County, Texas.
- February 13, 1854 - Wilson County established by the Texas legislature
- 1856 - County seat established in Floresville
- Late 1800s - Growth in agriculture sector, primarily cotton farming
- 1902 - Construction of the Wilson County Courthouse completed
- 1930s - Economic decline due to the Great Depression
- 1940s - World War II leads to increased military presence in the area
- Mid-1960s - Oil and gas production becomes a significant industry
- 1970s - Growth in population and expansion of Floresville
- 1998 - The Floresville Peanut Festival established
- 2010 - Rapid population growth and increased development