Blanco County Courthouse

            Designed by San Antonio architect Henry T. Phelps, the 1916 Blanco County courthouse was the first permanent courthouse built after the seat of the government moved from Blanco to Johnson City in 1890.  Serving as contractor for the project was stonemason James Waterston, who had come from Scotland to Texas in 1883 to aid in the construction of the state capitol.  The Classical Revival limestone structure features Doric columns and a domed cupola.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark—1983

Blanco County

Formed from Burnet, Hays, Gillespie and Comal Counties.

Created February 12, 1858

Organized April 12, 1858

Named for the stream which traverses the region.

County seat, Blanco City

1858-1890

Johnson City, since.

1894 Blanco County Jail

     Noting the unhealthy dampness of the basement where prisoners were first kept after the Blanco County seat was moved to Johnson City, the commissioners court ordered the construction of this jail facility in 1893. Completed the following year, the jailhouse was built of limestone by J. E. L. (Kergie) Dildine (1853-1925), a rock mason who came to Blanco County from Kansas in the 1880s. Despite an 1897 jailbreak, the facility has continued in use, with interior modifications to meet state jail standards.

 Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986