County Seat – Edinburg
Built – 1954
Style – Modern
Architect – ?
Photos taken – June 6, 2011
We visited Hidalgo County on June 6th and June 7th, 2011. June 6th – we went to Hidalgo, Texas, the original county seat to photograph the 1880’s courthouse and jailhouse still standing. Then on the 7th, we stopped by the current courthouse – built much more recently. We also photographed the 1920’s retired jailhouse which is now part of the Edinburg Museum.
The modern courthouse is just that – a modern structure, without a lot of character or soul. As a representation of the modern style it is OK, but whose going to put in in their top 20 favorites? Not me. Inside – like other Valley courthouses, we were not allowed to take pictures, though I did get a couple of the stairwell from outside of security. You’ll notice the red marble which is pretty attractive. Really not much else to say on the courthouse.
You should note, however, they tore down the previous courthouse – which was a little more architecturally interesting – to build this building. In place of the old courthouse, get this, they put in a huge parking lot. Leaves kind of big hole right in the middle of the downtown area. Probably not the best city planning we’ve seen. Maybe if they could make it into a green space to be enjoyed, the loss of the old courthouse would not have been in vain.
see Historic Hidalgo Courthouse
see Historic Hidalgo County Jail – Hidalgo
see Historic Hidalgo County Jail – Edinburg
see Rio Grande Valley Churches (San Juan)