11 Most Endangered
Historic Courthouses of Texas
Year Listed: 1998
Location: Texas
Current Status: Favorable
Threat: Neglect, Poor Public Policy
The historic seats of county government in Texas represent some of the finest works of public architecture in the Lone Star State--and the nation. Spanning a near-century of Texas history from the 1850s to the 1940s, the Texas courthouse buildings are living symbols of the regional rivalries that shaped the state. Their location and design helped establish each county's unique identity while embodying the majesty, solidity and egalitarian ideals of democratic government. All 225 of the state's historic courthouses are still community focal points, with 201 remaining in active government use. But many of them--including some of the oldest and most architecturally distinguished--had fallen into disrepair due to inadequate funding for preservation and routine maintenance.
Update
There are 234 historic courthouses in Texas with 229 remaining in active government use. There have been 126 Master Plans submitted and of those 115 of those have been approved. To date, 35 courthouses have been restored and rededicated. Over $300 million is needed to restore those with completed Master Plans. Restored courthouses are a catalyst for economic development and also spur heritage tourism efforts. With over $145 million in grant funds so far, over 4,500 jobs have been created and more than $177 million in gross state product.
