County History

The earliest records of a white man in Texas go back to 1530 when Cabeza de Vaca and three other survivors of a ship wreck lived in this area with friendly Indians. After several years they returned to Spain. Then Fort St. Louis was established in 1685 by Robert Cavalier de Salle, when he attempted to find the mouth of the Mississippi River. This site, a few miles east of Victoria on what is now the Keeran Ranch, was in ruins by 1689. A mission and a fort were established later on this site and then moved to Mission Valley. There was no permanent effect on this area from these settlements.

In 1824 Martin DE LEON petitioned to establish a colony to be called "Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe de Jesus." When the petition was returned, the official name given was "Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe de Jesus y Victoria." During the Mexican colonial period this was called Guadalupe y Victoria. Eight white families were already living in the area, (including Philip DIMMIT, John LINN, J.J. LINN, Edward LINN, Charles LINN, John David WRIGHT, Joseph WARE and John McHENRY) when Martin de Leon brought 33 Mexican families to the settlement. Victoria is the only city in the state established by a native of Mexico (according to Booth Mooney in History of Texas.)

For twelve years this community progressed. Homes, churches, schools and stores were established around a "Public Square", later called De Leon Plaza. In 1835 the citizens of the town were so opposed to Santa Anna's program that almost every man enlisted in the Texas army. After the battle of San Jacinto, the name was changed to Victoria. It became an American town, and English became the language. The municipality was organized into the county of Victoria, a County Judge elected, and the town incorporated with a Mayor and City Council.

Many German Immigrants landed in Indianola, with many of them locating in Victoria. Others came from the Alsace-Lorraine area. The first Irish settlers came from 1824-1829, mostly by way of New Orleans. Others were members of McMullen's and McGloin's colonies and Power & Hewetson's colonies and moved here from Refugio. A large number of settlers were Italian and arrived in the 1880's. They came during the construction of the New York, Texas and Mexican Railroad, thus it was called the "Macaroni Railroad." The Jewish population came with the early German and French colonists. Beginning about 1848, they began to take an important part in the affairs of Victoria.

The Victoria County Courthouse Restoration

"This pretty and commodious building is three stories in height with a handsome tower, which commands a view of the city of Victoria... this is the handsomest courtroom south of Dallas, and is furnished with luxury and taste... Here is where the district judge and his colleagues dispense justice to the 'wild and wooly' and to the innocent victim..."

This quote from an August 1893 Victoria Daily News article referred to the historic Victoria County Courthouse shortly after this impressive building was completed. An outstanding example of the Romanesque Revival style of architecture, it is one of the oldest courthouses in the state. Sadly, it is the only nineteenth century public building still standing in Victoria. But it is more than that, much more.

For over a century, the Courthouse has stood firm while almost every other building around the square has vanished. In this world of rapid change, it has been one of the few constants, recording and preserving the annals over five generations of Victorians - births, marriages, votes, deeds, taxes, and finally, deaths. In addition to these mileposts, the courthouse clock has also marked the passage of time for over 105 years from the tower which has become the unmistakable symbol of our city. Ironically, the time she has kept so well is the very thing destroying her. Faulty wiring, improper drainage, rising damp, and termite damage have all taken their toll. Because the Courthouse has endured over a hundred years, most Victorians take for granted the permanence of this historic treasure. In truth, the Courthouse is one of Victoria's most endangered structures, in dire need of rehabilitation.

Restoration of this glorious building will solve critical regional court needs by providing an additional district courtroom, two hearing rooms for non-jury matters, and adjoining client conference rooms. It will also provide accommodations for jury call, court support offices, and secure prisoner entrances.

Victoria Preservation, Inc. and the Victoria County Historical Commission, in cooperation with Victoria County, are committed to this project. With your help, an extensive restoration plan will return this structure to its 1892 glory, right down to the original slate roofing and atrium skylight. This rehabilitation will allow the 1892 Courthouse to regain its rightful place as the cornerstone of judicial and civic activity in Victoria County.

This is the most important and ambitious restoration challenge to date in Victoria. Its successful completion will require community support on an unprecedented level. In honor of families, loved ones, treasured friends, or for the ways in which this venerable structure has touched your life, please help by sending your tax-deductible contribution today. Family members are encouraged to make joint contributions in honor or in the memory of someone special. Recognition of your donation will be permanently recorded in the Old Courthouse, a visible testament of your commitment to preserve an important part of our history for future generations of Victorians.

Her Time Has Come...

Clickable

Map

Clickable

Map