Willacy County Courthouse
historic place
The Willacy County Courthouse in Raymondville, Texas, is a historic place. Willacy County was formed in 1911. An initial courthouse, designed by Henry T. Phelps, was built in Sarita. However, in 1921, Raymondville became the county seat due to Sarita's remote location. Before the new courthouse was completed, county meetings occurred in the Raymondville State Bank, using a jail cage from the King Ranch. Architect Henry T. Phelps was again contracted in 1921 to design the new courthouse and jail. Phelps designed a three-story Classical Revival building with a basement and a cross-axial plan. It featured a county courtroom and offices on the first floor, district courtroom and jury rooms on the second, and the jail on the third. The exterior used brick with cast stone ornament. The Walker Construction Company completed the courthouse in 1923. This building has served as a central point for Willacy County's civic activities.