Williamson County Courthouse
view Historic Georgetown Square

Our County Courthouse

Shortly after Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836, settlers began establishing county governments and the need for centralized meeting places became apparent. The Texas county seat and its central courthouse filled this role, becoming the symbol of independent self-government in Texas.

Williamson County followed this trend by petitioning to become a county in 1848, choosing Georgetown as the county seat, and constructing its first of five courthouses in 1849. Williamson County’s first courthouse, along with those of other early counties, was a place to conduct legal and social business.

As the population and wealth of many Texas counties increased in the late 1800s, the need for larger structures resulted in a courthouse boom throughout the state. Williamson County led the charge with the construction of an elaborate Victorian courthouse in 1878.

The current courthouse, constructed in 1911, has had a tumultuous past, surviving three major renovations and many modifications including the demolition of its key architectural features in 1966. With the assistance of the Texas Historical Commission and the dedication of preservation-minded county citizens and officials, the fifth courthouse of Williamson County has been returned to its original 1911 splendor, once again becoming a focal point of the county.

Rentals of the historic
Williamson County Courthouse

The Williamson County Courthouse has rooms and spaces available for rentals: the Commissioners' Courtroom, the District Courtroom, a Conference Room and Rotundas on all three floors. These are available for special events and meetings Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.

To obtain more detailed information on renting the Williamson County Courthouse for your special event, please contact Mickie Ross at mross@williamsonmuseum.org
or 512-943-1670. (for tours of the courthouse call Mickie Ross)

for more info http://www.williamsonmuseum.org/12.html

view "Around the Courthouse"

Williamson County's Courthouse Statue Removal
view images and video

Video of 2 time capsules found in the Courthouse
Courtesy of KVUE News
click here to view video

Ground breaking for Courthouse restoration
view images and video

1-23-05 -- The museum finds the missing architectural elements (putti) to aid the restoration of the Williamson County courthouse pediments. View PDF Courtesy of the Williamson County Sun

view The Couryhouses of Williamson County,
by Clara Scarbrough

Building a New County Jail in 1888 -

view Tour of the old Jail
2005 before restoration view historical plaques as of 05

Historic Courthouses of Williamson County
Click on image for an enlarged view

Photographic policies prohibit reproduction - please contact the Williamson Museum for reproduction rights Please view the PHOTOGRAPHIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. Your interests and the preservation of the materials will be assured by the observance of these policies and procedures.
To inquire about the use or purchase of any of these photographs please contact the museum at 512-943-1670 e-mail lworley@williamsonmuseum.org or use the photo order form in PDF format

click on thumbnail image for an enlarged view

1850-1855