This was our 235th Courthouse in Texas to visit. That means we are at 92.5% of our goal with 7.5% left to go.

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). This 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 the 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.

“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.”

“The interior looks the same, basically, but the walls in the main hallways and the courtroom have been painted green. They restored all the woodwork and overhauled the electricity and plumbing. (The basement bathrooms also are a huge improvement.) The clockworks, which used to be in the main hallway, are now in a room to the right of the west side entrance.” – Terry Jeanson