Early Courthouse Square
Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This square was deeded in 1838 to Fort Bend County by Robert E. Handy and William Lusk, founders of Richmond. It was site of 1850-1871 and 1888-1909 courthouses. Completed here 1888 was a two-story brick Victorian courthouse with bell tower and clock -- the pride of city and county. Jaybird-Woodpecker political feud culminated here in a bloody shoot-out in 1889, ending a post-Civil War era of conflict. County offices moved in 1909 to new courthouse on Jackson Street. This became center of recreation for next 30 years. City Hall was built here in 1940.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Deeded to Fort Bend County in 1838 by Richmond's founders, this square hosted a succession of courthouses, including a proud two-story Victorian building with a bell tower and clock completed in 1888. In 1889 the square was the scene of the bloody climax of the Jaybird-Woodpecker feud, a violent post-Civil War political struggle. After county offices moved in 1909, the square became a hub of recreation before a City Hall rose here in 1940.
Why it matters
The square witnessed one of Reconstruction Texas's most notorious episodes of political violence, a stark chapter in the struggle over power in the postwar South.
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Related people
- · Robert E. Handy
- · William Lusk
Related events
- · Jaybird-Woodpecker feud
Themes & tags
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