Year Built: 1887
Architect: Jacob Larmour & A.O. Watson
The Val Verde County Courthouse is located in Del Rio, Texas.
Organized in 1885 from sections of Crockett, Kinney, and Pecos Counties, Val Verde County was named for a Civil War battle in New Mexico which involved Texas Confederate Forces. The growing railroad town of Del Rio was chosen as the seat of Government and Commissioners set up offices in a commercial building on Perry Street, now South Main. Soon after formation of the county, the Limestone Jail was built here on a corner of the public square. During construction of the courthouse, it provided additional office space. A three-story annex to the building was completed later. The Limestone Courthouse was constructed at this site in 1887. Architects were A. O. Watson and Jacob Larmour of Austin, designers of Courthouses in Milam and Comanche Counties. Built by the contracting firm of Hood and McLeod, it features classical revival detailing and octagonal corner turrets. As the area population increased, the buildings were modified to provide for the expansion of services. A separate facility for the Sheriff’s office and county prisoners was completed in 1956, and the old jail was remodeled for use by other departments. (1980)
Personal Visit Note: I visited this Courthouse twice, including once on Thanksgiving Day 2022. The Courthouse was closed, but an off-duty Bailiff was walking for exercise and saw me taking pictures. He was super friendly and told me that he believes the Courthouse is haunted. He reported hearing strange noises coming from upstairs, including while jury trials were being conducted.
