Old Blanco County Courthouse facts for kids
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Old Blanco County Courthouse
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Old Blanco County Courthouse in 2011
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 Old Blanco County Courthouse
Location in Texas
Old Blanco County Courthouse
Location in the United States
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| Location | 310 Main St. Blanco, Texas |
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| Area | 1.77 acres (0.72 ha) |
| Built | 1886 |
| Built by | Phil P. Cage, C.P. Boon |
| Architect | Frederick Ernst Ruffini |
| Architectural style | Second Empire |
| Part of | Blanco Historic District (ID91000890) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Designated CP | July 16, 1991 |
The Old Blanco County Courthouse is a historic building in Blanco, Texas. It is located at the corner of 3rd and Main Streets. This special building was designed by architect Frederick Ernst Ruffini. It opened its doors in 1886. The courthouse was built in the Second Empire style. This style was popular in the late 1800s.
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Discovering the Old Blanco County Courthouse
The Old Blanco County Courthouse is a landmark in Texas. It has a rich history that spans over a century. This building has served many different purposes. It shows how towns and their needs can change over time.
A Building with Many Lives
When it first opened in 1886, this building was the main courthouse for Blanco County. A "county seat" is the town where the county government is located. This includes the courthouse. In 1890, the county seat moved to Johnson City. Because of this, the old courthouse was no longer needed for court business.
From Courthouse to Classroom
After 1890, the building found new uses. For almost ten years, starting in 1893, it became a school. Local students had classes there while a new school was being built. It was used as a school again in 1919. This happened when the regular school building needed repairs.
A Hub for the Community
For the next 50 years, the old courthouse was home to many different businesses. It housed banks and offices for tax collectors. It was also a place for entertainment. At different times, it served as a museum and a restaurant. The local newspaper even had its office there. For 24 years, this building was the area's hospital. It was recognized as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1972. This means it is an important historical site in Texas.
Saving the Historic Courthouse
In 1986, a person from Stonewall bought the courthouse. They planned to move it to their property. The people of Blanco were very upset by this idea. They wanted to keep the building in their town.
Community Action and Support
Local citizens quickly formed a group called the Old Blanco County Courthouse Preservation Society. Their goal was to save the building. They also asked the Blanco City Council to create a special rule. This rule would protect other historic buildings from being moved. Their first fundraising effort was a bake sale. It only raised $750.00.
A Statewide Effort
The campaign to save the courthouse grew much bigger. It received attention from newspapers across the country. Many important people in Texas gave their support and donations. Their efforts were successful! The old building was saved and its outside was repaired. In 1998, Texas Governor George W. Bush helped celebrate the re-opening of the courthouse.
The Courthouse Today
Today, the old courthouse is a busy place. It is used for many different things. Businesses rent space inside the building. People can also rent it for special events like parties or meetings.
A Movie Star Building
The building has even been featured in a movie! The famous Coen brothers filmed scenes inside the courthouse. This was for their 2010 movie, True Grit.
