Brackettville in Kinney County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Kinney County Courthouse
Named for early settler and adventurer Henry Lawrence Kinney, Kinney County did not formally organize for 21 years; officials first met in Brackett's home in 1873. Brackettville, as the town had come to be called, was chosen as the county seat. Subsequent meetings were held in the Kartes and Co. building until 1879, when the county's first courthouse was built. The county used the 1879 building, which later housed a post office and Masonic lodge, until 1911. That year, the county first occupied this courthouse, designed by L.L. Thurmon and Co. of Dallas. Falls City Construction Co. of Louisville, Kentucky, served as General Contractor.
The Kinney County Courthouse exhibits Beaux Arts Classicism. Detailing seen on the central bell tower is repeated on the octagonal corner towers and columned entryways. Buff brick is accented with D'Hanis red brick banding and corner quoins. The Seth Thomas clock in the bell tower completes the building, which, after some alterations, still demonstrates the massing, style and design selected by the early county commissioners.
Erected 2003 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13189.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1535.
Location. 29° 18.693′ N, 100° 25.033′ W. Marker is in Brackettville, Texas, in Kinney County. Marker is at the intersection of South Ann Street (Farm to Market Road 674) and James Street, on the left when traveling north on South Ann Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brackettville TX 78832, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Clark, USA (a few steps from this marker); Las Moras Masonic Lodge Building (a few steps from this marker); Kinney County Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); Partrick Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Petersen Building (about 500 feet away); Catholic Church (about 700 feet away); Filippone Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Montalvo House (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brackettville.
Regarding Kinney County Courthouse. Exactly 31 years after the acceptance of the 1879 courthouse the Commissioner’s Court met on March 8th, 1910 for the purpose of considering the construction of a new courthouse. The next day the Commissioners ordered an election to allow the citizens of the county to vote on the proposal. The special election was held on June 6th 1910 and needless to say the people voted in favor of building a new courthouse.
Design No.52 was adopted and the architectural firm of L.L. Thurmon & Co. of Dallas, Texas was authorized to make drawings, details and specifications for the new courthouse. Thurmon’s other county courthouses include Jeff Davis (1911), Mason (1909-1910), Floyd (1911), and Franklin (1912). Kinney County courthouse shares elements with these other courthouses, particularly the domed cupola housing the 1910 Seth Thomas clock. With this courthouse however, Thurmon branched into a different style and plan altogether. Rather than the Classical Revival, he employed Beaux Arts Classicism, using classical elements in non-traditional ways. The octagonal bays flanking the main entranced are a deviation of the Beaux Arts style, making this courthouse’s style uniquely its own.
On July 7th, 1910 the bid of the Falls City Construction Company was accepted for the construction cost of $44,500. As the courthouse neared completion, the Commissioner’s Court, on February 13th, 1911, accepted a bid of $1,950 for interior furniture from the Art Metal Construction Co. The original benches from that purchase are still in use. The courthouse passed its acceptance inspection by the Commissioners on Tuesday, March 22nd, 1911. The note for the construction of the courthouse was paid in full 14 years later, on January 11th, 1925.
The courthouse can also lay claim to playing a significant role in the development of many of the community’s religious and civic organizations. Brackettville’s United Methodist Church was formed in the district courtroom on September 12th, 1916, as was the First Baptist Church in 1921, and the Church of Christ in 1941. The Catholic congregation also held services in the district courtroom in 1933. Over time the district courtroom was also the meeting place of the Brackettville American Legion Post, the Brackettville Lions Club, and the Kinney County 4-H Club.
The Kinney County Courthouse has been, and always shall be a symbol of community strength and pride.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2012, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. This page has been viewed 713 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 10, 2012, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. 6. submitted on October 17, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.