HISTORIC TEXAS COURTHOUSES NOW FEATURED

03. Oct, 2010 0 Comments

     AUSTIN, Texas—With historic courthouses as diverse as the mountains
in the west to the piney woods of East Texas, the temples of justice that
are found in each of the state’s 254 counties showcase remarkable
architectural accomplishments. Images of some of these beautiful structures
are now highlighted on the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) website via a
rotating gallery. More images and information can be found with a click on
the courthouse link. This special feature commemorates the restorations of
these buildings made possible by the THC’s Texas Historic Courthouse
Preservation Program, which helps bring back to life historic county
courthouses for the benefit and enjoyment of communities and heritage
travelers alike.
       Courthouses restored through the THC’s program will also be featured
on a special tour during the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s
Annual Conference held this year in Austin, October 27–30. Participants will
visit Central Texas courthouses including La Grange’s J. Riely Gorden
designed Fayette County Courthouse.
       Announced in June 1999, the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation
Program provides partial matching grants to Texas counties for the
restoration of their historic county courthouses. Since its inception, the
program awarded $227 million to counties, and local governments have matched
this with more than $150 million. Courthouse restorations have generated
more than 8,579 jobs throughout Texas and more than $19 million in local
taxes. The 81st Texas Legislature included $20 million in bond funding for
Round VI of the nationally recognized program and additional rounds are
dependent upon continued funding from state lawmakers. Pending grant
applications total $170 million.
       For more information on the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation
Program and to view the courthouse images visit www.thc.state.tx.us. To
learn more about the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s upcoming
conference in Austin and the courthouse tour visit
www.preservationnation.org.