Alice in Jim Wells County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Jim Wells County Courthouse

Photographed by Brian Anderson, February 20, 2022

1. Jim Wells County Courthouse Marker

Inscription. Governor Oscar B. Colquitt signed legislation creating Jim Wells County on March 11, 1911. Taken from territory formerly a part of Nueces County, the new county was named for prominent Brownsville attorney and business leader James B. Wells, Jr. (1850-1923). The first county elections were held two months later, and in January 1912 the citizens of the new county approved a bond election to finance the construction of a courthouse and jail.

The county commissioners hired San Antonio architect Atlee B. Ayers to design the courthouse. The laying of the cornerstone on July 25, 1912, drew a crowd of more than 2,000 people. Celebration activities included performances by the Alice Concert Band and the Alice Symphony Club, as well as a barbecue, rodeo events, and baseball game.

The discovery of oil in Jim Wells County in 1938 led to increased economic development and a population boom. The courthouse was remodeled in 1948-1949, and annexes later were built nearby.

Although its original appearance has been altered, the Jim Wells County Courthouse stands as a significant structure in the county's history. It continues to serve as the center of county government.

Erected 1992 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2758.)

Topics. This historical marker is

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listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical date for this entry is July 25, 1912.

Location. 27° 45.141′ N, 98° 4.233′ W. Marker is in Alice, Texas, in Jim Wells County. It is on East 2nd Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 North Almond Street, Alice TX 78332, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: First Baptist Church of Alice (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Alice (about 600 feet away); First United Methodist Church (about 700 feet away); First Presbyterian Church of Alice (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jose de Escandon (approx. 0.3 miles away); McGill Brothers Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jim Wells County (approx. one mile away); Alice Cemetery (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alice.

Photographed by Brian Anderson, February 20, 2022

2. Jim Wells County Courthouse Marker

Jim Wells County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Anderson, February 20, 2022

3. Jim Wells County Courthouse

Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 14, 2022, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 415 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 14, 2022, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.