Historic Courthouse

Stephenville's Victorian Courthouse Has Stood Since 1892

The Erath County Courthouse in Stephenville is a National Register landmark built in 1892 from local limestone and red Pecos sandstone.

Erath County History & Culture

Erath County has had three courthouses. The first was a wood structure that burned in 1866, taking many county records with it. The second was a stone building from 1877. The current courthouse was finished October 20, 1892. Architects J. Riely Gordon and D.E. Laub designed it in a Victorian style using local white limestone and red Pecos sandstone.

The town of Dublin tried to take the county seat during the 1891 election, offering to fund the new courthouse. Stephenville won. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It still serves as the county courthouse today.

Source to confirm: TSHA Handbook of Texas — Erath County

More Erath County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two Offices Handle Property Tax in Erath County

The appraisal district sets your property value, but a separate tax office actually bills and collects what you owe.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your School Tax Bill

If your Erath County home is your main residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption that cuts your taxable school district value.

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Agricultural Valuation

Farm and Ranch Land Can Qualify for Ag Valuation

Farm and ranch land in Erath County can be taxed on what it produces, not what it would sell for. That often means a much lower tax bill.

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Vehicle Registration

No Emissions Test Required to Register Your Car Here

Erath County is not in the Texas emissions-testing zone. You do not need a smog check to register your car here.

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