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Williamson County Courthouse
Our County Courthouse Shortly after Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836, settlers began establishing county governments and the need for centralized meeting places became apparent. The Texas county seat and its central courthouse filled this role, becoming the symbol of independent self-government in Texas. Williamson County followed this trend by petitioning to become a county in 1848, choosing Georgetown as the county seat, and constructing its first of five courthouses in 1849. Williamson County’s first courthouse, along with those of other early counties, was a place to conduct legal and social business. As the population and wealth of many Texas counties increased in the late 1800s, the need for larger structures resulted in a courthouse boom throughout the state. Williamson County led the charge with the construction of an elaborate Victorian courthouse in 1878. The current courthouse, constructed in 1911, has had a tumultuous past, surviving three major renovations and many modifications including the demolition of its key architectural features in 1966. With the assistance of the Texas Historical Commission and the dedication of preservation-minded county citizens and officials, the fifth courthouse of Williamson County has been returned to its original 1911 splendor, once again becoming a focal point of the county.
Historic Courthouses of Williamson
County click on thumbnail image for an enlarged view
circa 1960 and 2007 click on thumbnail image for an enlarged view
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Williamson County
Historical Museum
WCHM is a member of the
Texas Association of Museums
Telephone
- 512-943-1670
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