Irion County Courthouse
Public Sq., Sherwood, TXThe Old Irion County Courthouse possesses local historic and architectural significance. The building represents the early history of the county and it possesses fine architectural details.
Located in West Texas, Irion County is primarily a ranching country. The county was created from Tom Green County and organized in 1889, and named for Robert A. Irion, a doctor of medicine who practiced his profession in Nacogdoches, Texas, and who became a leader of the Republic of Texas. By 1890, the county population was 870, and in 1973 the population was only about 1,200.
The Old Irion County Courthouse is distinguished architecturally by its imposing form and attractive details, and historically by its role in the growth of West Texas. Designed and built by the firm of Martin and Moodie of Comanche, Texas, prominent West Texas contractors, the building has fine details of exterior masonry and interior wood and metal work.
The courthouse was completed in the spring of 1901 for $20,500. Two stories high, the building originally had four offices on the first floor jury rooms, and a courtroom on the second. The courthouse was used until 1936 when Irion County voted to move the county seat to Mertzon by a 453-222 margin. After it was abandoned by county officials, the courthouse was used by the Sherwood Homemakers Club until 1951, when it was bought and used by the Baptist Church. In 1966 a private owner bought the property and donated the use of it to the community of Sherwood. The annual Sherwood Homecoming has been held on the courthouse lawn in June since 1956.
Located in West Texas, Irion County is primarily a ranching country. The county was created from Tom Green County and organized in 1889, and named for Robert A. Irion, a doctor of medicine who practiced his profession in Nacogdoches, Texas, and who became a leader of the Republic of Texas. By 1890, the county population was 870, and in 1973 the population was only about 1,200.
The Old Irion County Courthouse is distinguished architecturally by its imposing form and attractive details, and historically by its role in the growth of West Texas. Designed and built by the firm of Martin and Moodie of Comanche, Texas, prominent West Texas contractors, the building has fine details of exterior masonry and interior wood and metal work.
The courthouse was completed in the spring of 1901 for $20,500. Two stories high, the building originally had four offices on the first floor jury rooms, and a courtroom on the second. The courthouse was used until 1936 when Irion County voted to move the county seat to Mertzon by a 453-222 margin. After it was abandoned by county officials, the courthouse was used by the Sherwood Homemakers Club until 1951, when it was bought and used by the Baptist Church. In 1966 a private owner bought the property and donated the use of it to the community of Sherwood. The annual Sherwood Homecoming has been held on the courthouse lawn in June since 1956.
Bibliography
County Commissioners' Court Minutes, Office of the County Clerk, Mertzon, Texas
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may.
About Irion County
Irion County Timeline
Irion County is located in central Texas, named after Robert Anderson Irion, a Republic of Texas politician. The area has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of Native American settlements along the North Concho River. In the mid-19th century, the region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Lipan Apache and Comanche.
In the 1860s, settlers began to arrive in what is now known as Irion County. The first permanent settlements were established near the North Concho River, with ranching and farming becoming the primary economic activities. The area's abundant water supply and fertile soil made it an attractive destination for those looking to build a prosperous life on the frontier.
The county was officially formed in 1889, after being carved out of Tom Green County. Mertzon, named after Henry Mertz, a local rancher, was chosen as the county seat. The growth of the county continued throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as more settlers arrived and established businesses, schools, and churches.
Today, Irion County remains a rural community with a strong agricultural heritage. Ranching and farming are still important industries, with sheep, cattle, and crops like cotton, peanuts, and sorghum being prominent. The county also boasts several historical sites, including the Irion County Courthouse, which has been serving as the center of local government for over a century.
In the 1860s, settlers began to arrive in what is now known as Irion County. The first permanent settlements were established near the North Concho River, with ranching and farming becoming the primary economic activities. The area's abundant water supply and fertile soil made it an attractive destination for those looking to build a prosperous life on the frontier.
The county was officially formed in 1889, after being carved out of Tom Green County. Mertzon, named after Henry Mertz, a local rancher, was chosen as the county seat. The growth of the county continued throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as more settlers arrived and established businesses, schools, and churches.
Today, Irion County remains a rural community with a strong agricultural heritage. Ranching and farming are still important industries, with sheep, cattle, and crops like cotton, peanuts, and sorghum being prominent. The county also boasts several historical sites, including the Irion County Courthouse, which has been serving as the center of local government for over a century.
Irion County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Irion County, Texas.
- 1858 – Irion County is established and named after Robert Anderson Irion, a secretary of state for the Republic of Texas.
- 1889 – Sherwood is chosen as the county seat.
- 1890 – The Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway is completed, passing through Irion County.
- 1929 – Mertzon becomes the new county seat, replacing Sherwood.
- 1934 – Mertzon's first public school is built.
- 1951 – The Irion County Historical Survey Committee is established to preserve local history.
- 1972 – The Irion County Jail, now a historical landmark, is constructed.
- 1983 – The Irion County Historical Society is formed.
- 1998 – The Mertzon Heritage Museum opens, showcasing local history and artifacts.
- 2017 – Irion County celebrates its 159th anniversary.
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