County Seat – Rocksprings
Built – 1891
Architect – Ben Davey & Bruno Schott
Style – “Vague Romanesque style” according to The Courthouses of Texas
Pictures taken – April 21, 2006
see Rocksprings
see Historic Edwards County Jail
I certainly agree with Kelsey & Dyal (The Courthouses of Texas) in describing this building as ‘vague’ in any style. However, like its neighboring county courthouse – Real County, this courthouse evokes its surroundings more than exhibit an architectural style. The stone facade is emblematic of the surrounding topography – which is at times almost moon-like, as the rock can be so barren. This reflects one of the main economic drivers of this remote Edwards Plateau area – goats. More specifically, mohair goats. Bet you wondered where mohair came from – right? Well, maybe not, but it is an interesting fact about this area.
This is one of the earlier courthouses we visited, and we did not plan it so that we could go inside. The county is so remote that it is probably we won’t be by any time so to rectify that omission.