Courthouses in Texas were originally designed to be close to the geographic center of the county so that they were no more than a one day’s journey from everyone. This was to make conducting important business – paying taxes or voting, for example – easy for all. It’s easy to see why towns sprang up around these vital structures.
In many cases, these grand buildings became the heart and soul of the county. Preserving this heritage is just as important to these communities as they continue to grow. The video notes that Texas has more historic courthouses than any other state, and that 235 are active today. Texas architects have taken on the important role of preserving these community centers for future generations, along with making vital infrastructure upgrades necessary to continuing their use in the 21st Century.