Groesbeck in Limestone County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Limestone County Courthouse
Photographed By James Hulse, January 8, 2021
1. Limestone County Courthouse Marker
Limestone County was established in 1846. Springfield served as the first county seat, but geographic boundary changes and the burning of the Springfield Courthouse led to the designation of Groesbeck as the county seat in December 1873. Three more official courthouses served the county before the early 1920s.
The county employed the Midwest Engineering Company of Amarillo to draw up plans for a new structure in 1923. The William Rice Construction Company, also of Amarillo, received a contract for $300,000 to erect this structure. Rice had been the contractor for both the Lipscomb and Lynn County courthouses.
A fine example of a classical revival building with beaux arts influences, the 1924 Limestone County Courthouse is a variation on the most common themes of early 20th century courthouses. Then-modern construction methods, such as reinforced concrete structural systems covered in brick and terra cotta, were employed. The elevations -- classical columns flanking the windows, upper floors adorned with balustrades and elaborate cornucopia moldings -- indicate that the edifice is intended to be viewed from all sides.
The Limestone County Courthouse functions as the heart of Limestone County and it continues to be used for daily county governmental business.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark -
this page online
Erected 1998 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12031.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1873.
Location. 31° 31.346′ N, 96° 32.083′ W. Marker is in Groesbeck, Texas, in Limestone County. Marker is at the intersection of West State Street and Ellis Street (State Highway 14), on the right when traveling north on West State Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 West State Street, Groesbeck TX 76642, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. First Methodist Church of Groesbeck (within shouting distance of this marker); Limestone County Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Home County of Lafayette Lumpkin Foster (within shouting distance of this marker); First Baptist Church of Groesbeck (approx. ¼ mile away); Groesbeck Independent School District (approx. 1.3 miles away); Mrs. C.D. Kelly (approx. 2 miles away); Fort Parker Memorial Park (approx. 2 miles away); Seth H. Bates (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Groesbeck.
Also see . . . Limestone County. The area that became Limestone County was home to the Tawakoni, or Tehuacana,
Photographed By James Hulse, January 8, 2021
2. The Limestone County Courthouse Marker is to the left in the photo
Photographed By James Hulse, January 8, 2021
3. Limestone County Courthouse
Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 160 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 15, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
