Well, we took off a little later than I wanted – but we finally got here about 2:00 this afternoon.  We’re staying in the Lazy Longhorn RV – and at first look, it seems like a clean park with lots of amenities.  I’ll check around tomorrow.  It is HOT – and HUMID.  So we we’re pretty worn out after setting up.  But we pressed on and took the road, after a lite lunch at Sonic.  We got to Jackson County, Wharton County and Matagorda County.  All in all, they were each different and each having some redeeming points.

But the real surprise for the day was Wharton County.  According to everything I’ve seen, the Wharton County Courthouse was an older courthouse from the late 1800’s or early 1900’s.  It had been remodeled a few times, winding up removing the tower, the mansard roof and all of the architectural highlights that make up a second empire styled building.  After that, the courthouse was wrapped up and enclosed and then covered with stucco.  Maybe interesting, but not anything to do with the original.

Well, it seems that starting in 2004 the courthouse began a huge restoration project.  It was completed in 2007, and it is stunning.  The clock tower is beautiful, the brickwork is intriguing, the roof and iron work is typical of second empire buildings.  We were not expecting this at all.  So it was a pleasant surprise.    On top of that, assuming that the 3 courthouses were visiting this afternoon were not really that interesting, we didn’t worry about it being late and not getting in.   We rolled up at 4:56 – saw this second empire gem and quickly grabbed our cameras and went inside.  Not that inspiring – but worth the look.   We were given just a few minutes to take some interior pictures.

Jackson County Courthouse looked something like a school from the 60’s.  It had rough cut rock stone that was visible inside and outside.  There was a clock upfront and overall it was pleasant.

Matagorda County’s Courthouse was built in the 60’s and shows some of the popular styling from that time.  The building has posts and is built up on the first floor.  While it has its redeeming points as a good example of the modern style, it just doesn’t fit the square – which is surrounded by turn of the century buildings.  I’m not sure what happened to the previous courthouse, but the town lost some heart when the center of this historical town was filled with concrete, steel and glass.

Tomorrow will bring something new.  Of the 6 courthouses left – only one is modern.  The rest are from the late 1800’s or early 1900’s.  I’ll be back tomorrow.  Maybe I’ll be able to post a picture or two with tomorrow’s blog.