153 of 254 Mitchell County Courthouse, Colorado City, Texas. County Population: 9,403
Mitchell County, Texas
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"In 1876 the Texas legislature formed Mitchell County from the Bexar District; since it had virtually no permanent settlers at the time, the county was assigned to Shackelford County for administrative purposes. During the late 1870s settlers began to enter. The early settlers in the county, mostly buffalo hunters, included J. Wright and John W. Mooar, George Wandell, and I. F. Byler. In 1880 the census counted 112 residents in the county. As a result of population growth in the late 1870s, elections were held on January 10, 1881, to organize Mitchell County. Colorado City was chosen the county seat ...
"The [county] was named for Asa and Eli Mitchell, prominent participants in the Texas Revolution. "Cattlemen first moved into the county with their herds in the late 1870s; until the early twentieth century the economy of Mitchell County was dominated by cattle ranching. "During the settlement period merchants and traders also occupied the county, anticipating the construction of a railroad through the area. In the early 1880s the Texas and Pacific Railway was built through the county to Colorado City, and by April 16, 1881, the day the first train arrived, that town's population had reached 300." Julius A. Amin and John Leffler, "MITCHELL COUNTY," Handbook of Texas Online I visited Mitchell County and photographed the courthouse in Colorado City on Monday, May 21, 2012.
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Colorado City has been called the "Mother City of West Texas" for its early origin as a ranger camp in 1877 and for its prominence as a cattlemen's center
Mitchell County Courthouse 1885
Image courtesy courthousehistory.com
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Image courtesy courthousehistory.com
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Architects and Builders: Martin, Byrns & Johnston of Colorado City. This courthouse is copied from the 1883 Bastrop County courthouse, designed by J. W. Preston and Sons. F. E. Ruffini, designer of many monumental Texas public buildings, including the Old Main Building at the University of Texas, was associated with Preston at the time the Bastrop County Courthouse was being designed. Ruffini reviewed and perfected the courthouse plans and specifications. F. E. Ruffini and his brother, Oscar, were responsible for many late 19th century courthouse designs in Texas. Likely, the Ruffini brothers were the source for the 1885 Mitchell County courthouse design. The courthouse was demolished in 1923 to make way for the new courthouse.
Mitchell County Courthouse 1924
Image courtesy courthousehistory.com
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Image courtesy courthousehistory.com
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The courthouse faces east, to Oak Street. A row of trees obscures the building from the street
The east, or front facade of the courthouse has been significantly altered by the removal of the windows in the second floor courtroom
The view east to Oak Street, from the courthouse steps
Architect David Castle of nearby Abilene designed the current courthouse in Colorado City. This classical revival styled building provided a more efficient floor plan and fewer structural issues than the 1885 design with its massive tower. A 1965 remodeling removed many of windows, added air-conditioning and drastically altered the exterior of the courthouse. A sensitive restoration could integrate contemporary mechanical systems with the original windows.
Circa 1939, photograph courtesy TXDOT
The southeast corner of the courthouse
The west facade of the courthouse is completely devoid of windows. A new sheriff's office and jail occupy the west side of the square
The northeast corner of the courthouse. On the right is a newer county annex. The sheriff's office is visible between the courthouse and the annex
Doors on the south side of the courthouse, on W. 3rd Street
