Johnson County Courthouse (Texas) Explained

Johnson County Courthouse
Coordinates:32.3472°N -97.3861°W
Locmap Relief:yes
Builder:American Construction Co.
Architect:Lang & Witchell
Added:April 14, 1988
Area:less than one acre
Refnum:88000439
Designated Other1:TSAL
Designated Other1 Date:May 15, 1992
Designated Other1 Number:401
Designated Other1 Num Position:bottom
Designated Other2:RTHL
Designated Other2 Date:1999
Designated Other2 Number:2831
Designated Other2 Num Position:bottom

Johnson County, Texas, has had many courthouses since it was formed.

Historical courthouses of Johnson County

The original courthouse was at Wardville. It is still in existence today at a park on the banks of Lake Pat Cleburne, though it suffered damage at the hands of arsonists in 2007. In 1856, the county seat was moved to Buchanan and a new courthouse was built, which survived until at least the mid-1860s. A two-story framed courthouse was planned but never constructed. When part of Johnson County was consolidated into Hood County the county seat was moved again, to "Camp Henderson" which was renamed Cleburne. The first building used was off the square proper of the town, at 2 North Caddo. A two-story brick courthouse was completed on October 26, 1879. In 1882, this one was razed and a new brick building was built which included a bell tower. Though it was brick, it shared styling with neighboring Hill County's courthouse. This was destroyed by fire on April 15, 1912.

Current courthouse

The current Prairie style structure was completed on November 28, 1913 and was renovated in 2006.

See also

References

Block, Viola. History of Johnson County and surrounding areas. Waco: Texian Press, 1970. Library of Congress 73-149378