Did You Know? Stephenville’s Courthouse Has Stood as a Texas Landmark for Over a Century

Stephenville, Texas — Every great Texas town has its landmark — a place where history, community, and pride come together. In Stephenville, that landmark rises high above the square: the Erath County Courthouse, a towering symbol of endurance and craftsmanship that has watched over the town for more than 130 years.

Founded in 1854 and named after early settler John M. Stephen, the town of Stephenville became the county seat when Erath County was created two years later. Its first courthouse, a humble wood-frame building from 1856, served its purpose until it was destroyed by fire in 1866 — a setback that would set the stage for something far grander.

By the late 1880s, Stephenville was booming. The railroad arrived in 1889, opening new trade routes and transforming the town’s economy. With prosperity came ambition, and in 1891, county commissioners put out a call for a courthouse worthy of the new era.

Enter J. Riely Gordon, an architect whose name would become synonymous with Texas courthouse design. Gordon had already made his mark on Stephenville’s town square, designing both the First National Bank and the Crow Opera House. His winning courthouse design brought the bold curves and heavy stonework of Romanesque Revival architecture to Erath County — a style as solid and dramatic as the Texas landscape itself.

Completed in 1892, the courthouse was built from locally-quarried limestone accented with warm Pecos sandstone. Its central clock tower quickly became Stephenville’s most iconic feature, visible for miles and a symbol of civic pride for generations.

In 1988, a careful restoration project ensured that Gordon’s masterpiece would continue to shine, with the addition of a nearby courthouse annex to serve the growing community.

Today, the Erath County Courthouse isn’t just a building — it’s a living piece of Texas history, still standing tall at the heart of Stephenville’s town square.

So next time you find yourself in Erath County, take a stroll downtown. Look up at that clock tower, touch the limestone walls, and imagine the countless stories they’ve seen unfold since 1892.

Start planning your visit to Stephenville and discover more local history, dining, and Texas hospitality at https://visitstephenville.com/about-stephenville/.