Richmond in Fort Bend County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Early Courthouse Square

Photographed By Brian Anderson, November 17, 2018

1. Early Courthouse Square Marker

Inscription.

This square was deeded in 1838 to Fort Bend County by Robert E. Handy and William Lusk, founders of Richmond. It was site of 1850-1871 and 1888-1909 courthouses.

Completed here 1888 was a two-story brick Victorian courthouse with bell tower and clock - the pride of city and county.

Jaybird-Woodpecker political feud culminated here in a bloody shoot-out in 1889, ending a post-Civil War era of conflict.

County offices moved in 1909 to new courthouse on Jackson Street. This became center of recreation for next 30 years. City Hall was built here in 1940.

Erected 1973 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 8990.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.

Location. 29° 34.963′ N, 95° 45.746′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Texas, in Fort Bend County. Marker is at the intersection of Morton Street and South 5th Street, on the right when traveling west on Morton Street. Marker is located within City Hall Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 402 Morton Street, Richmond TX 77469, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Jane Long Boarding House (within shouting distance of this marker); St. John's United Methodist Church

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(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The McFarlane House (about 300 feet away); Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar (about 400 feet away); Constantine W. Buckley (about 400 feet away); Fort Bend County Courthouse (about 400 feet away); Fort Bend War Memorial (about 500 feet away); McNabb House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Also see . . . Jaybird-Woodpecker War - The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on November 19, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.)

Photographed By Brian Anderson, November 17, 2018

2. Early Courthouse Square Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 298 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 19, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.