Nueces County Courthouse of 1914

In 1853 lawlessness in Nueces County, which covered most of the area from Corpus Christi to the Mexican border, prompted the construction of the first county courthouse on this block. Three lots were purchased for $300 from Corpus Christi founder, Henry Lawrence Kinney (1814-1865). A second courthouse was built in the mid-1870's beside the first. Under the administration of county Judge Walter F. Timon (1872-1952), this neo-classical structure was completed in 1914 at a cost of $250,000. The architect, Harvey L. Page (1859-1934) of Washington, D.C., designed the International and Great Northern Railroad station in San Antonio and Laguna Gloria in Austin, home of former Corpus Christi resident Clara Driscoll. Additions were made to the buildings in the 1930's and 1960's. Courtrooms and offices were on the first four floors. The top two floors, separated from the rest of the building by an air space to eliminate noise, served as the jail. In addition to government offices, apartments were provided until the 1950's for the jailer and other county officials. During storms which almost leveled the city, hundreds of refugees sought shelter here. In 1977 county offices moved to a new courthouse building.

Nueces County Courthouse of 1914 is a historical marker in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, dedicated in 1976. It is one of 105 historical markers documented in Nueces County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 147 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 27.8019, -97.3956 near Corpus Christi. The nearest cataloged historic site is Nueces County Courthouse (historic place), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Nueces County Courthouse (1914), Nueces County, and Guaranty Title Company.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5355003621. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.