Houston County Courthouse
Crockett, Houston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In early 1938, the Houston County commissioners court, with County Judge B. F. Bradley presiding, began making plans for construction of the county's fifth courthouse. Built in 1939 with funds from the federal Public Works Administration, the building was designed by Houston County native Blum Hester and constructed by Eckert-Fair Construction Co. of Dallas. The Moderne style courthouse with Art Deco features is a reflection of popular architectural trends of the 1930s and remains a center of politics and government for the county's citizens. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2000
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
When Houston County needed a new courthouse in the late 1930s, its leaders turned to federal Public Works Administration funds to build one in 1939. Designed by a county native and raised by a Dallas contractor, the building wore the sleek Moderne lines and Art Deco detail that were the height of Depression-era fashion. It has remained the seat of county government ever since.
Why it matters
New Deal public works like this courthouse put Americans to work during the Depression while leaving communities enduring civic landmarks at the heart of local democracy.
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Related people
- · B. F. Bradley
- · Blum Hester
Themes & tags
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