County History

On January 28, 1850, the state legislature formed Falls County from Limestone and Milam counties. The falls of the Brazos gave the county its name. Since Falls County was established its boundaries have not changed. The legislature stipulated that Viesca would be the county seat, but the citizens petitioned for another location because most of the residents lived east of the Brazos River. The citizens voted 20-0 in favor of Adams, which officially became the county seat on January 30, 1851. Soon after, the town was renamed Marlin in honor of the Marlin family. The settlers of Falls County came from the slaveholding South, primarily Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. By the census of 1860 the county had 1,716 slaves (47 percent of the total population) and 504 farms. Falls County relied less on cotton than other Texas counties, harvesting only 2,030 bales in 1860, and relied instead on a diverse agricultural economy. Wool was a major crop, with 17,500 pounds produced in 1860, the highest in Falls County history. Cattle was the most important livestock, with 26,310, a total not matched until 1900.

Falls County Courthouse

            The Texas Legislature created Falls County in 1850.  The first courthouse was a log cabin, possibly located on this site.  In 1855 the county seat (then Adams) was renamed Marlin, and construction was completed on what became the courthouse square.  The second courthouse, built of native white cedar burned about 1870.  The third courthouse was completed by 1876 but was damaged in an 1886 storm.  Houston architect Eugene Heiner drew the plans for a forth courthouse, which was completed in 188.  It deteriorated quickly, and county officials began to seek funding for a new edifice.  Work began on a fifth Falls County courthouse in 1938.

            A county bond issue for $130,000 was matched with a 45% public works administration grant in 1938.  The cornerstone was leveled by the Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M., on July 4, 1939, and the building was completed by December.  Much of the façade is Austin shellstone; Texas pink granite makes up the entry steps.  The courthouse was designed in the art modern style by architect Arthur E. Thomas of Dallas, and was constructed by San Antonio contractors Hill and Cumbs.  Its symmetrical façade is dominated by a three-story central entry tow with key pattern stonework across the tower parapet.  Among its unusual features are the massive shellstone entry surrounds and decorative corner pilasters.  Arthur E. Thomas designed various other notable structures in Texas from the late 1930s to 1970, including other courthouses and projects from the Marlin Independent School District.  The 1939 Falls County courthouse continues to serve as the center of county government.

Recorded Texas historic landmark—2000