Year Built: 1955
Architect: Thomas Jameson & Merrell
The Smith County Courthouse is located in Tyler, Texas.
Designed in a mid-century Modern style and finished with buff-colored brick, granite, and dark marble. The six-story central block is flanked with two-story wings creating a symmetrical composition. Windows above the entrance and on the wings are vertically united with black marble spandrels. Others are punched windows. The first story is finished in reddish granite giving the appears of a base to the building.1962 – Clock tower and upper floor removed, wings added to north and south sides. Dramatically altered by Architects Rittenberry & Rittenberry with Timmons Construction Co. as the contractor. State financed marker rejected.
From the Texas Historical Commissions, Historical Atlas website.
After the creation of Tyler County in 1846 and the subsequent selection of Woodville as county seat, this block was set aside for use as the courthouse square and the first courthouse was completed by February 1849. In November 1890, the Tyler County commissioners court, with county judge Henry West presiding, elected to build a new center of county government and authorized the sale of bonds to finance the construction. The Corpus Christi architectural firm of Glover and Hodges designed the new courthouse in typically eclectic Victorian-era fashion, incorporating elements of the Second Empire, Gothic and Mediterranean styles. Despite problems during construction in 1891, contractors M. A. McKnight and McKnight completed the courthouse in early 1892. In 1935-1937 the county undertook a massive courthouse remodeling project with Works Progress Administration funds. Efforts to modernize the building at this time resulted in the removal of its more high style elements and the construction of a rear addition. Character-defining features from the original design, such as the windows and central tower remain, however. The Tyler County courthouse stands as a symbol of county government and a center of public and governmental activities. Its evolution from original design to current appearance is a part of the county’s history and the building’s service to the people of Tyler County. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark – 2000
