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Jim Wells County
Courthouse
Photo courtesy Terry
Jeanson, July 2010 |
Historical Marker:
Jim Wells County
Courthouse
Governor Oscar
B. Colquitt signed legislation creating Jim
Wells County on March 11, 1911. Taken from territory formerly
a part of Nueces
County, the new county was named for prominent Brownsville
attorney and business leader James B. Wells, Jr. (1850-1923). The
first county elections were held two months later, and in January
1912 the citizens of the new county approved a bond election to finance
the construction of a courthouse and jail.
The county commissioners hired San
Antonio architect Atlee
B. Ayers to design the courthouse. The laying of the cornerstone
on July 25, 1912, drew a crowd of more than 2,000 people. Celebration
activities included performances by the Alice Concert Band and the
Alice Symphony Club, as well as a barbecue, rodeo events, and baseball
game.
The discovery of oil in Jim
Wells County in 1938 led to increased economic development and
a population boom. The courthouse was remodeled in 1948-1949, and
annexes later were built nearby.
Although its original appearance has been altered, the Jim Wells County
Courthouse stands as a significant structure in the county's history.
It continues to serve as the center of county government.
(1992) |
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Jim Wells County
Courthouse as it appeared in 1939
Photo courtesy TXDoT |
Early view of
the Jim Wells County Courthouse
Photo circa 1930s or 40s,
courtesy texasoldphotos.com |
Jim
Wells County Courthouse
Photo courtesy Terry
Jeanson, July 2010 |
The top of the
Jim Wells County Courthouse
Photo courtesy Terry
Jeanson, July 2010 |
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Jim Wells County
Courthouse
Photo courtesy Terry
Jeanson, July 2010
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Jim Wells County
Courthouse historical marker
Photo courtesy Terry
Jeanson, November, 2004 |
Jim Wells County
Courthouse cornerstone
Photo courtesy Terry
Jeanson, July 2010 |
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