Bell County Courthouse - Belton, Texas
Posted by: 
txoilgas
N 31° 03.361 W 097° 27.820
14R E 646590 N 3436824
The 1884 Bell County Courthouse has recently undergone a restoration that replaced the bell tower that had been missing for many years.
Waymark Code: WM7NKD
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 11/14/2009
Views: 15
From the historical marker.
"Three Bell County courthouses have stood on this site--part of the 120 acres given by Matilda F. Connell Allen for the location of the county seat. Prior to erection of a courthouse, early official business of the county (created and organized, 1850) was handled in blacksmith shop of John Danley, the first chief justice. His anvil (in one of the three original buildings in Belton) was the council table. First courthouse was a one-story (16' x 18') frame building erected by contractor Thomas T. Havens in 1851, at cost of $199, financed by sale of city lots. On April 1, 1858, the commissioners contracted for a two-story (50' x 60') native limestone building with intersecting main halls, fireplaces on each floor, double doors and other fine details. Cost ($13,625) was so resented that none of the commissioners were re-elected. Simeon Bramlet was the contractor. This building was in service from Dec. 1, 1859, until 1884. Cornerstone for third courthouse was laid on June 24, 1884; structure was completed by May 30, 1885. Ben D. Lee contracted to build it for $64.965. It has been improved at later dates. The county clerk's office was fireproofed in 1898. In 1950, there was extensive remodeling and modernizing. (1970)"
Year Built: 1884
Current Use of Building: County business
Level of Courts: County
Architect: Jasper N. Preston
Dates this building was used to house judicial proceedings: 1884 - Present
Physical Address:
550 E 2nd Avenue
Belton, Texas
Hours:
Should be available 24 hrs
Related Website: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
At least one original photograph should be added to the gallery. And please describe your impressions and visit to the courthouse.