Perhaps you’ve rushed by not even noticing it. This is the Early Courthouse Square Plaque. It marks a spot rich in history. Let’s journey back in time.
This square has been Harris County’s Courthouse Square since 1838. That year saw the completion of the first courthouse. It was a simple two-story frame building.
Imagine Houston in its early days. The first courthouse stood here. It was a symbol of law and order. It was a center of community life.
More courthouses followed on this very site. Buildings went up in 1851, 1860, and 1884. Each one reflected the changing times. Each one met the growing county’s needs.
The present structure rose in 1909 and 1910. This became the fifth Harris County Courthouse here. Charles Erwin Barglebaugh designed it. He worked with Lang and Witchell. Their firm was well known in Dallas.
Look closely at the building’s style. It showcases Classical Revival architecture. The dome stands out. Ornate projections add to its grandeur. Corinthian columns rise majestically. Terra cotta and limestone details impress. Pink Texas granite and St. Louis brick compose its walls.
During construction county offices moved to a theater nearby. Imagine the hustle and bustle of legal affairs amidst stage sets.
In 1952 a new courthouse appeared east of the square. This building then became the Harris County Civil Courts Building. A new chapter began.
In 2009 the county started restoring the 1910 courthouse. They wanted to bring back its original splendor. The exterior and interior public spaces returned to their 1910 look.
Today the 1910 courthouse stands as a testament to civic architecture. It represents Harris County’s growth. It shows the dynamic spirit of the early 20th century.
The Harris County Courthouse occupies an entire city block. It is located in downtown Houston. It is near Allen’s Landing. This block is bounded by Fannin Street, Congress Avenue, San Jacinto Street, and Preston Avenue. This square has been the seat of Harris County government since 1837.
The courthouse is rectangular. It features a symmetrical design. The side elevations face Congress and Preston. The principal elevations face Fannin and San Jacinto.
The facades divide into three zones. There is a two-story base. Then comes a three-story piano nobile. A one-story attic completes it. The base uses rough-cut pink Texas granite. The rest features light brown St. Louis brick.
A circular drum sits atop the main block. It supports a high dome. The dome reaches 200 feet high. Cast-stone eagles surround its base.
Each elevation has seven bays. Colonnaded center bays project outward. Rusticated piers separate identical bays.
Inside, a steel frame supports the building. The walls bear the load. Terra cotta, limestone, and masonry add ornament. The roof uses red terra cotta tile.
The Harris County Courthouse has undergone renovations. In 1934 workers redecorated the interior. They cleaned and painted the dome with aluminum paint. The building almost faced demolition in 1938.
The landmark Texaco, Inc. v. Pennzoil, Co. case was held here. The case resulted in the largest civil award in history at the time. Texaco had to pay $10.53 billion to Pennzoil.
During a preconstruction walkthrough, workers discovered a historic steel vault door. It had been moved during the 1950s. The door was restored to its original position.
The original mosaic tile floors remained in place since 1910. They had been covered by vinyl tile. Missing tile was replaced with replicated tile.
As the restoration neared completion, workers found the cornerstone from the 1883 courthouse. It had been saved in 1909. It is now on display inside the courthouse.
Isn’t it amazing how much history is packed into this Early Courthouse Square Plaque? It connects us to the past. It reminds us of the growth and changes that have shaped Harris County.