Historic Courthouse

Maverick County Courthouse

Eagle Pass, Texas

Built in 1885 in Romanesque Revival with Second Empire influences architectual style by architect Wahrenberger & Beckman by contractor William Hausser, Eagle Pass.

The San Antonio architectural firm of Wahrenberger and Beckman designed the Maverick County Courthouse; William Hauser, possibly of San Antonio, built it in 1885. Wahrenberger and Beckman chose to use the Romanesque Revival style with some Second Empire influences. The foundation of the building is stone masonry and the walls are constructed of solid brick masonry that has been stuccoed and painted white. The original plan was a square with a corridor extending through the center. Following a typical pattern, the main offices were located on the ground floor, and the courtroom and secondary offices were situated on the second floor. The exterior composition is somewhat unusual for Texas. On the south facade, for example, the center section is dominant with two levels of receding planes or walls flanking this central section. The center mass actually expresses the form of the second-story courtroom and is a balanced, self-contained composition. Many of the walls are articulated by pilasters. The doorways and windows of the courthouse are topped with Roman arches; the windows feature pronounced archivolts. The first level of the southern facade features triple arched windows, while the second level features singular arched windows topped with bulls-eye windows. The cornice above these two levels repeats this arched theme. The north facade is broken into two levels and does not have an entrance. A single-story brick addition has been added to this side of the courthouse. The west facade is broken only into two levels, with the center or entrance level projecting. This level features a double arched window over the arched door. The arch theme is repeated in the cornice above. The east facade is also broken into two levels. The exterior corners of the basic square plan of the building are chamfered, softening the mass. The walls are constructed of brick and accented with stringcourses and an ornamental parapet with corbeled brackets. The structure is surmounted by a clock tower, in which the arched forms of the openings in the main mass are repeated. E. Howard and Company of Boston manufactured the clock. The mansard style roof is covered with standing seam metal. The cupola's roof is of the Second Empire style. Around 1930, small additions were made to the north and east sides of the courthouse. These additions incorporate the same configurations of details as the original and are only a minor distraction from the historical appearance of the building. The more recent garage annex that connects the jail and courthouse is a more significant distraction.

1930's additions; 1979: new court building constructed on the square, only minor county functions take place in historic courthouse.

Current status: Active Courthouse

The Texas Historical Commission's (THC) nationally recognized and award-winning Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) has turned around the trend of disrepair and begun restoring these treasured historic landmarks. Texas has more historic courthouses than any other state. Today more than 240 courthouses still stand that are least 50 years old. About 80 were built before the turn of the 20th century. By the end of that century, most of these structures were significantly deteriorated due to inadequate maintenance, insensitive modifications or weather related damage. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) documented the condition of 50 of the state’s oldest courthouses in the late 1990s and determined that counties lacked the resources to preserve the buildings for future generations.

houses residential buildings Tudor Revival (architectural style)
Texas is not a state – it’s a state of mind
John Steinbeck in Travels with Charley
Maverick County, located in southwestern Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century. The region originally belonged to the Spanish Empire and was explored by settlers seeking trade routes and access to water. In 1757, Captain José de Urrutia led an expedition to the area, establishing the temporary Presidio de San José de Bagdad, which would later become the basis for the present-day Maverick County.

During the 19th century, Maverick County experienced significant growth with the arrival of Anglo-American settlers. The Texas Revolution of 1836 and the subsequent establishment of the Republic of Texas brought increased interest in the region. The need for protection against native tribes led to the construction of Fort Duncan in 1849, which quickly became an important military outpost and played a strategic role during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848).

The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled the county's growth and development. In 1881, the International-Great Northern Railroad reached Eagle Pass, the county seat, linking Maverick County to regional and national markets. This connectivity facilitated the expansion of agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, and boosted trade and commerce within the county.

In the 20th century, Maverick County experienced a series of economic and political shifts. The discovery of oil and gas reserves in the early 20th century brought increased industrial activity and wealth to the area. However, economic instability and political corruption also plagued the county throughout this period. Efforts to combat corruption and improve infrastructure and services have been ongoing, with varying degrees of success.

Today, Maverick County continues to evolve as a vibrant and diverse community. It is home to a mix of agriculture, ranching, and industrial activities, and its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border plays a significant role in its economic and cultural identity. The county's history is celebrated through various heritage sites, including Fort Duncan Park and historical museums, allowing residents and visitors to explore its fascinating past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Maverick County, Texas.

  • 1870 - Maverick County is officially established as a county in Texas.
  • 1871 - The county seat is established in Eagle Pass.
  • 1872 - The railroad reaches Eagle Pass, bringing economic growth to the area.
  • 1874 - Fort Duncan is established in Eagle Pass to protect the region during conflicts with Native American tribes.
  • 1904 - The Maverick County Courthouse is built in Eagle Pass.
  • 1933 - A major flood devastates Eagle Pass and causes significant damage in Maverick County.
  • 1942 - The Eagle Pass Army Airfield is established and serves as a training base during World War II.
  • 1989 - The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas opens a casino in Maverick County, providing an economic boost to the area.
  • 2010 - The population of Maverick County reaches over 54,000.