Local History
The Eastland County Courthouse and Old Rip
Eastland's courthouse holds the preserved remains of Old Rip, a horned lizard that became a national story in 1928.
In 1897, a horned lizard was reportedly placed in the cornerstone of the old Eastland County courthouse. When the cornerstone was opened in 1928 during demolition of that building, the lizard was said to have come out alive. The story spread across the country and the lizard — nicknamed Old Rip — reportedly even met President Calvin Coolidge. Old Rip died a short time later but was preserved.
Today Old Rip is on display in a glass and marble case at the current Eastland County Courthouse. The courthouse is a registered Texas Historic Landmark. Whether or not you believe the story, it is part of how the county is known across the state. The Texas State Historical Association's Handbook of Texas covers this history in detail.
Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Eastland County