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Colorado
County Courthouse
Texas Historic Landmark
Photo courtesy Terry
Jeanson, January 2012 |
The
Present Colorado County Courthouse -
Columbus,
Texas
Date
- 1891
Architect - Eugene
Heiner
Style - Renaissance Revival
See Historical
Marker
The Colorado County Courthouse is a Eugene
Heiner design from 1891. There have been a total of four courthouses, the
first being built in 1836. One
courthouse was to be of pine harvested in Bastrop
and floated down the Colorado, but high water sent the wood floating right past
Columbus (and not a few surprised carpenters). |
Historical Marker
Text:
Colorado
County CourthouseThis
classic revival building--erected in 1890-1891 in form of a Greek cross--is now
one of 28 oldest existing courthouses
in Texas' 254 counties.
Contractors Martin, Byrne & Johnson built
the structure of brick and Belton stone. Local Masonic Lodge laid cornerstone.
In 1909 a tornado severely damaged building. Large bell in cupola-clock
tower fell 120 feet and was completely buried in the earth. $15-a-month job of
clock-winder was subsequently canceled. During repairs, present copper dome was
added. In 1939 entire building was remodeled.
Recorded
Texas Historic Landmark - 1969 |
Colorado
County Courthouse in 1939 showing dome
Photo Courtesy TXDoT |
Colorado
County Courthouse with the clock tower
Photo Courtesy TXDoT |
"Southeast
corner of the Colorado County courthouse. The exterior restoration was completed
in 2011 which included the restoration of the colors on the trim and the brick,
cleaning up of the copper dome and removal of the south side additions. A courthouse
restoration grant awarded to the county in January 2012 will go to more restoration
work on the interior."
- Terry
Jeanson, January 2012 photo |
"This
inscription appears in the pediments on all sides."
Photo courtesy Terry
Jeanson, January 2012 |
Colorado
County Courthouse dome
Photo courtesy Terry
Jeanson, January 2012 |
Colorado
County Courthouse Historical Marker
Photo courtesy Terry
Jeanson, February 2005 |
1890
Cornerstone Ceremony Marker
Photo courtesy Terry
Jeanson, January 2012 |
Another
early view of the Colorado County Courthouse
Photo courtesy Nesbitt Memorial Library |
| | A
view from the NE corner of the Columbus courthouse square
Photo courtesy Nesbitt Memorial Library |
| | Girl
strolling Teddy on the Courthouse lawn
1915 photo courtesy Nesbitt Memorial Library |
Colorado
County Courthouse courtroom
Photo courtesy Terry
Jeanson, April 2008 |
Colorado
County Courthouse Courtroom Skylight
Photo courtesy Terry
Jeanson, April 2008 |
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"I've photographed this,
my favorite Texas courtroom, many times. It wasn't until a week or two ago that
I had an opportunity to climb a 12' stepladder and get REAL close to this wonderful
hanging fixture under the "Tiffany style" dome."
- Jim King, September
2007 |
| | The
beautiful stained glass dome was covered up with a false ceiling for many years
Photo Courtesy Colorado County Visitors Bureau | |
|
Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories, and vintage/historic
photos, please contact
us. | |
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