Jim Wells County, TXGenWeb

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Ark-La-Tex Genealogical Association Presents a Seminar, August 8, 2026, on Land Records and Wills

Jim Wells County Courthouse
Texas Historical Commission

Governor Oscar Branch Colquitt signed legislation creating Jim Wells County on March 11, 1911. Taken from territory formerly a part of Nueces County, the new county was named for prominent Brownsville attorney and business leader, James B. Wells, Jr. (1850-1923). The first county elections were held two months later, and in January 1912, the citizens of the new county approved a bond election to finance the construction of a courthouse and jail.

The county commissioners hired San Antonio architect Atlee B. Ayers to design the courthouse. The laying of the cornerstone on July 25, 1912, drew a crowd of more than 2,000 people. Celebration activities included performances by the Alice Concert Band and the Alice Symphony Club, as well as a barbecue, rodeo events, and baseball game.

The discovery of oil in Jim Wells County in 1938, led to increased economic development and a population boom. The courthouse was remodeled in 1948-1949, and annexes later were built nearby.

Although its original appearance has been altered, the Jim Wells County courthouse stands as a significant structure in the county's history. It continues to serve as the center of county government (1992)."