Woodville in Tyler County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Tyler County Courthouse

Photographed By Steve Gustafson, July 23, 2011

1. Tyler County Courthouse Marker

Inscription. After the creation of Tyler County in 1846 and the subsequent selection of Woodville as a county seat, this block was set aside for use as the courthouse square and the first courthouse was completed by February 1849. In November 1890, the Tyler County commissioners court, with county judge Henry West presiding, elected to build a new center of county government and authorized the sale of bonds to finance the construction.

The Corpus Christi architectural firm of Glover and Hodges designed the new courthouse in typically eclectic Victorian-era fashion, incorporating elements of the Second Empire, Gothic and Mediterranean style. Despite problems during construction in 1891, contractors M.A. McKnight and McKnight completed the courthouse in early 1892. In 1935-1937 the county undertook a massive courthouse remodeling project with Works Progress Administration funds. Efforts to modernize the building at this time resulted in the removal of its more high style elements and the construction of a rear addition. Character-defining features from the original design, such as the windows and central tower remain, however.

The Tyler County courthouse stands as a symbol of county government and a center of public and governmental activities. Its evolution from original design to current appearance is a part of the county's history and

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the building's service to the people of Tyler County.

Erected 2000 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12432.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1849.

Location. 30° 46.512′ N, 94° 24.93′ W. Marker is in Woodville, Texas, in Tyler County. Marker is on W. Bluff Street (U.S. 190) west of U.S. 69, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 W Bluff Street, Woodville TX 75979, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Woodville Academy and Woodville College (here, next to this marker); Lt. Col. Phillip A. Work (here, next to this marker); Tyler County (a few steps from this marker); Home of James Edward Wheat (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Texas Statesman Allan Shivers (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Henry Kirby and Education in Woodville (approx. ¼ mile away); The Rev. Acton Young (approx. half a mile away); Site of Henry T. Scott School (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Woodville.

Tyler County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Steve Gustafson, July 23, 2011

2. Tyler County Courthouse

Southside view of courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Steve Gustafson, July 23, 2011

3. Southside view of courthouse

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2011, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. This page has been viewed 453 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 14, 2011, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.