Texas County Courthouse - Houston, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 37° 19.677 W 091° 57.369
15S E 592478 N 4131764
Completed in 1932, Texas County's current courthouse was built of native rubblestone and brick face at a cost of $45,148.
Waymark Code: WMK2RT
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 02/04/2014
Views: 3
County of courthouse: Texas County
Location of courthouse: Main St, Houston
Architect: E. S. Johnson of Johnson and Maack, St. Louis
Contractor: George H. Gassman Co.
"In 1901 the court authorized Henry H. Hohenschild to make plans for extensive alterations and additions to the 1882 project. In July 1901 George E. Matthews offered the only bid for $5,873, which the court accepted. Matthews completed the work in 1902. On Dec. 14, 1930, fire destroyed this building, which was insured for $23,000
"Texas County residents could not agree on how deeply to go into debt for a new courthouse. Some opted for $75,000; others thought $40,000 was more realistic. The court compromised with a $60,000 proposal. Architect E. S. Johnson of Johnson and Maack, St. Louis, showed plans of Osage and Christian counties' courthouses, but the cost was more than $100,000. The court asked Johnson to submit other plans.
"In February 1931 Johnson submitted a plan for a native rubblestone building with face brick and art stone or terra cotta trim. As election time drew near and passage seemed unlikely, the court called off the election. Taking the fire insurance money, they immediately began restoring and rebuilding on the remaining fire-damaged foundation, accepting George H. Gassman Co.'s bid of $20,148 in May 1931. Only enough funds were available to complete the first floor. Voters approved $25,000 in bonds in September 1931 to finish construction on the second story. On April 7, 1932, builders finished the new brick and stone, 95-by-70-foot courthouse, which continues in use today " ~ University of Missouri - Extension