Val Verde County Courthouse Del Rio Texas. (original) (raw)

Val Verde County courthouse
Photo courtesy Terry Jeanson, January 2009

Date - 1887
Style - Second Empire
Architect - Larmour & Watson

Although originally designed by Larmour and Watson, Atlee B. Ayres supervised the restoration which occurred in 1915. Other Ayres designs include courthouses in Brownsville, Kingsville, Alice and Refugio.

The Val Verde County Courthouse has recently undergone a beautiful restoration.

Historical Marker ( 400 block of Pecan, Del Rio):

Val Verde County Courthouse Square

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)

"In 1915, after a third floor was added, the original clock-tower cupola in the center of the courthouse was replaced by this silver dome."
- Terry Jeanson, January 2009

Val Verde County Courthouse before the 1915 remodeling.
Note the cupolas, turret cones, and statues.
Photo courtesy texasoldphotos.com

Val Verde County Courthouse as it appeared in 1939
Photo courtesy TXDoT

Another view of the Val Verde County courthouse
Photo courtesy Terry Jeanson, January 2009

Val Verde County courthouse close-up
Photo courtesy Terry Jeanson, January 2009

Collage of architectural details
Photo courtesy Terry Jeanson, January 2009

Aerial view of Del Rio, 1939.
Note courthouse in background.
TE Postcard Archives

Val Verde County Courthouse as it appeared in the 1950s.
Photo courtesy texasoldphotos.com