Hopkins County Courthouse
historic place
The Hopkins County Courthouse in Sulphur Springs is a historic place. The third courthouse for Hopkins County, built in 1882, was destroyed by fire on February 11, 1894. This fire also burned the jail and nearby structures. Following this event, plans were made for a new court building. It was decided to erect the new structure on a corner, rather than in the middle of the block like the previous one. This placement is unusual, as most Texas courthouses are typically located in the center of their public squares. The design for the new courthouse came from James Riely Gordon, a San Antonio architect known for his courthouse designs. The Dallas firm of Sonnefield and Emmins constructed the building. Austin architect A. O. Watson inspected the work, suggesting bracing for the stonework. Completed on August 22, 1895, the courthouse cost $75,000. It is made of red granite with contrasting sandstone trim, showcasing the Richardsonian Romanesque style. Quarter-circular porches at the northwest and southwest corners mark its entrances. Citizens requested a clock for the tower, but county commissioners did not fund it. The Hopkins County Courthouse was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1975. It stands as a significant example of late 19th-century public architecture in Texas.