Gaines County is located in northwest Texas, bordering the state of Oklahoma. It is named for James Gaines, a merchant who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence and was born in Culpeper County, Virginia in 1779. The county seat is here in Seminole, which was not Seminole Indians. The Native Americans who were here before were Comanche Indians. The courthouse building isn't a particularly impressive design though it is a modern style unlike others I've seen in Teas. It is a four story building with smooth cut limestone veneer and steel-frame sash windows. The turquoise and white looks a little Art Deco but not quite. It was built in 1955 and envelopes the original 1922 structure. There is a very faded marker in front that reads, "Named for James L. Gaines, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, this county was formed out of Bexar County in 1876. Anglo settlement of the area began about 1895, and the county was formally organized in 1905. Seminole was established as the county seat that year, and a courthouse was built in 1906. Ranching and farming were the most prominent and profitable occupations until the mid-1930s, when they were eclipsed by oil production. Gaines County encompasses 1,479 square miles, and Seminole and Seagraves are its two largest cities." The building is open to the public. I found the interior to be completely functional and unexciting. Parking on the street all around is free. [Review 17428 overall - 439 in Texas - 946 of 2022.] read more

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