On February 17, 1843, Missouri legislators, taking land from both Shannon and Wright counties, defined and named Ashley County. On February 14, 1845, after nearly two years and on the third set of commissioners appointed by the governor, Ashley County was finally organized and renamed to become Texas County – so named for the Republic of Texas. In time, Houston was chosen as the name for the county seat.
Records indicate that the first courthouse, built in 1847 for less than $500, was apparently destroyed in 1850. Texas County’s second courthouse was built in 1851 for just $550. This courthouse was sold when the third courthouse was built just 10 years later in the center of the public square for the princely sum of $4,650.
Destroyed twice during the Civil War, Houston was abandoned by the time peace reigned. With resettlement, a temporary courthouse was built on the northeast corner of the public square for just under $362. By the end of 1871, a beautiful new 2-story courthouse had been erected on the foundation of the courthouse destroyed in the war. Unfortunately, this courthouse, like all of those before it, was destined for a short life. After just 10 years, in February of 1881, fire severely damaged this courthouse. By March of 1882 a similar courthouse had been built on the remaining foundation, this time using brick.
The 1882 courthouse survived nearly 50 years, with extensive alterations and additions in 1902. On December 14, 1930, fire also destroyed this courthouse. Between the $23,000 insurance settlement and $25,000 in voter-approved bonds, a new brick and stone courthouse was built on the remaining fire-damaged foundation. This final courthouse was completed April 7, 1932 and remains in use today.