Year Built: 1931
Architect: David S. Castle of the architectural firm Townes, lightfoot and Funk
The Hansford County Courthouse is located in Spearman, Texas
🏛️ Hansford County Courthouse: Prairie Classicism in Spearman, Texas
Spearman, Texas — In the far reaches of the Texas Panhandle, where the sky stretches uninterrupted and grain elevators dominate the skyline, the Hansford County Courthouse rises with stately elegance in the town of Spearman. This handsome Classical Revival structure, built in 1931, stands as both the literal and symbolic center of civic life in a county shaped by ranching, railroads, and resilience.
A Courthouse for a County in Transition
Hansford County was created in 1876 and organized in 1889, with early settlements like Hansford Town and Zulu later giving way to Spearman, which became the county seat in 1929. The discovery of oil and the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad brought change and growth to the region—along with the need for a more permanent and dignified seat of justice.
In response, the county commissioned Amarillo architect J.C. Berry, known for his regional courthouse designs, to create a building that would express both authority and accessibility. Completed in 1931, the result is a three-story Classical Revival courthouse constructed of buff brick with cast stone detailing.
The building features a prominent central entry framed by pilasters and a wide entablature, as well as symmetrical wings and regularly spaced windows that reflect the orderliness prized by early 20th-century civic architecture. A low-pitched tile roof and ornamental cornice lend a touch of Mediterranean flair—appropriate for a building intended to endure the Panhandle’s harsh sun and wind.
Judicial History Rooted in Land and Oil
The Hansford County Courthouse has long served as the arena for land title disputes, oil lease controversies, and criminal proceedings tied to the region’s boom-and-bust economy. One of the more significant cases of the 1940s involved State of Texas v. Plains Petroleum, a suit over pipeline easements that set a precedent for eminent domain procedures in oil-producing counties.
Because of its agricultural and energy economy, Hansford County has also been the site of important rulings involving surface rights, mineral rights, and royalty payments—issues that continue to be deeply relevant to Panhandle landowners and lawyers.
The courthouse also serves the 84th Judicial District, which spans several neighboring counties and reflects the collaborative nature of legal administration in this part of rural Texas.
A Community Landmark
The courthouse square in Spearman remains a focal point of community life. Holiday parades circle the perimeter, farmers’ markets are sometimes held in its shadow, and residents often gather for patriotic events or school band performances.
The grounds include a small veterans memorial and mature shade trees planted in the 1930s, now standing like sentinels beside the courthouse walls. Inside, while modern updates have ensured functionality, original features like terrazzo floors, cast-iron railings, and wood-trimmed windows have been preserved where possible—preserving a connection to the past without sacrificing utility.
Recognized and Preserved
The Hansford County Courthouse was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It underwent a modest restoration in the early 2000s to improve energy efficiency while maintaining its architectural integrity.
What’s remarkable is that the building still functions much as it did nearly a century ago: home to the County Judge, Clerk, Tax Assessor-Collector, and Commissioners Court, as well as the district court and support staff.
A Legal Perspective: Dignity on the Plains
As a real estate attorney, I have a special admiration for courthouses like Hansford’s—buildings that are both practical and quietly majestic. The Classical Revival style conveys a timeless dignity, while the modest size keeps it grounded in the everyday concerns of the people it serves. In a county where land ownership is central to identity and livelihood, this courthouse offers both a forum for legal resolution and a symbol of stability.
In short, the Hansford County Courthouse is as honest and enduring as the land around it.
🔗 Visit the Official Site
For more information about county services or local history, visit the Hansford County official website.