see Floresville
see Historic Wilson County Jail
Wilson County Courthouse Restored
county seat – Floresville
Built – 1884
Architect – Alfred Giles
Style – Italianate
Photos taken – 11/7/04
Floresville sits a little southeast of San Antonio. In fact, Wilson County has grown significantly due to its proximity to the Alamo city. Peanut was or is king – as far as cash crops are concerned – thus the peanut statue on the courthouse lawn. They have an annual Peanut Festival to celebrate the importance of this crop.
This courthouse is old and a little unusual in style in that there are not that many Italianate courthouses left. The porch in the front is a obvious detail – but it is the beauty statue of the Lady of Justice sitting above the porch that makes this courthouse stand out. Also – the tower is light and aerie – a little more elegant rather than the Romanesque power that you find in other courthouses of the time.Again – as in so many cases of our early courthouse visits – we went when it was closed and so no interior shots – no court room shots. You’ve go to remember – we were working at the time – so weekends were easier.
I’ve heard – though I’ve not verified it – but that the courthouse was closed as being unsafe. I have to assume, if true, the courthouse will eventually be rehabilitated and returned to its’ original purpose.
Hi!
I’d love to use one of your photos in the Texas Historical Commision’s Texas Trails Guide.
Please email me ASAP.
Thanks!
Madeleine McCaleb