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 Jim Wells County Courthouse Posted by:  QuesterMark
N 27° 45.148 W 098° 04.223
14R E 591612 N 3070128
This post-mounted subject marker stands well out in front of the building it describes, Facing E 2nd St. in Alice.
Waymark Code: WM16EKX
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 07/15/2022
Views: 5
Marker erected by the Texas Historical Commission.
Texas Historical Commission Atlas data:
Index Entry Jim Wells County Courthouse
Address 200 N. Almond St.
City Alice
County Jim Wells
UTM Zone 14
UTM Easting 591594
UTM Northing 3070116
Subject Codes courthouses
Marker Year 1992
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Private Property No
Marker Location Jim Wells County Courthouse grounds, south side facing E. 2nd St.
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 27" x 42"
Marker Number: 2758
Marker Text:
Governor Oscar B. Colquitt signed legislation creating Jim Wells County on March 11, 1911. Taken from territory formerly a part of Nueces County, the new county was named for prominent Brownsville attorney and business leader James B. Wells, Jr. (1850-1923). The first county elections were held two months later, and in January 1912 the citizens of the new county approved a bond election to finance the construction of a courthouse and jail.
The county commissioners hired San Antonio architect Atlee B. Ayers to design the courthouse. The laying of the cornerstone on July 25, 1912, drew a crowd of more than 2,000 people. Celebration activities included performances by the Alice Concert Band and the Alice Symphony Club, as well as a barbecue, rodeo events, and baseball game.
The discovery of oil in Jim Wells County in 1938 led to increased economic development and a population boom. The courthouse was remodeled in 1948-1949, and annexes later were built nearby.
Although its original appearance has been altered, the Jim Wells County Courthouse stands as a significant structure in the county's history. It continues to serve as the center of county government. (1992)
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