Val Verde County Courthouse Square
N 29° 21.544 W 100° 53.850
14R E 315808 N 3249263
The historic marker at the west end of the Val Verde County Courthouse grounds
Waymark Code: WMPNHB
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 09/26/2015
Views: 3
This historic marker at the west end of the Val Verde County Courthouse grounds discussed the history of the Courthouse square in downtown Del Rio.
Marker Number: 5626
Marker Text: Organized in 1885 from sections of Crockett, Kinney, and Pecos Counties, Val Verde County was named for a Civil War battle in New Mexico which involved Texas Confederate Forces. The growing railroad town of Del Rio was chosen as the seat of Government and Commissioners set up offices in a commercial building on Perry Street, now South Main.
Soon after formation of the county, the Limestone Jail was built here on a corner of the public square. During construction of the courthouse, it provided additional office space. A three-story annex to the building was completed later.
The limestone Courthouse was constructed at this site in 1887. Architects were A. O. Watson and Jacob Larmour of Austin, designers of Courthouses in Milam and Comanche Counties. Built by the contracting firm of Hood and McLeod, it features classical revival detailing and octagonal corner turrets.
As the area population increased, the buildings were modified to provide for the expansion of services. A separate facility for the Sheriff's office and county prisoners was completed in 1956, and the old jail was remodeled for use by other departments. (1980)
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