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The original courthouse in the county burned in April 1874. It was described
as "...a frame structure of one story in height. It contained a room used as
a jail, a court room and a few offices. It was located on the southwestern
corner of the present court house block."
Records lost in the fire included the brand
records, the minutes of the county and district courts, and some probate
materials. In reporting the loss, the Burnet Bulletin called the destruction
a work of arson.
After this fire, court was held under the large oak
trees present then until a new structure could be built. Construction was
started on a new limestone structure in 1874; the finished product cost a
total of $13,400, and was completed in 1875.
In 1935 the county commissioners court requested a
grant from the Public Works Administration for the construction of a new
courthouse. The new structure was built of granite from Granite Mountain
near Marble Falls for a grand total of $133,500. A "Gala" celebration was
held for the building's dedication on May 28th and 29th, 1937.
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Sheriff Wallace W. Riddell
Dec 4, 1899 –
Feb 11, 1978
Sheriff of
Burnet County
1939—1978
Texas Longest
Serving Sheriff
39 Years – 1
Month – 11 Days |
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Home county of
Texas Confederate
General Adam R. Johnson
Joined U.S.
Army 1861. Cavalry scout with Gen. Nathan B. Forest 1861-62. Commanded
partisan Rangers 1862-64. Executing daring exploits behind enemy lines in
Kentucky are. Took Newburch, Indiana with 12 men and stovepipe cannon.
Promoted Brigadier General June 1864. Escaped from federal trap on
Buffington’s island by swimming Ohio River with some of command. Blinded by
gunshot wound and captured August 1864. Exchanged spring 1865.
A memorial of
Texans who served the Confederacy.
Erected by the
State of Texas 1963 |
 
County Jail,
built 1884 of hand – hewn rock. Has apartment for sheriff, who is also
jailer. On second floor the county library was founded.
Recorded Texas
Historic Landmark, 1968 |
