buildings; courthouses; design and construction; architects
Marker Year
1975
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
No
Marker Location
Stephens County Courthouse grounds, SE corner, at NW corner of W. Walker St. (US 180) and N. Court St. See also marker about 100 feet west titled Stephens County Courthouse (RTHL 1997) for the 1926 courthouse.
Private Property
No
Marker Condition
In Situ
Marker Size
18" x 28"
Marker Text
This ornate doorway was main entrance of the three-story red sandstone courthouse built here in 1883. Carved into these columns are the names of architect J.E. Flanders, County Judge E.L. Walker, and three of four commissioners. The fourth was omitted because he objected to the cost of the construction. A large cistern at the rear of the building provided water for the town. When the oil boom of the 1920s attracted more people to this area, and the old structure was replaced by a larger courthouse in 1926, this portal was left as a reminder of the county's pioneer heritage. (1975)