The first courthouse for Comal County was built in 1857 where the Chase Bank is now located. Construction was completed in 1859. By 1897, the Courthouse was becoming dilapidated and unsafe. Commissioners Court ordered plans be made to build a new Courthouse as soon as possible. Many architects presented plans, and the court accepted the plan submitted by James Riely Gordon of Winchester, Virginia. Riely designed 72 courthouses in his career, twelve of which are still standing. His patented design had a central tower housing the main staircase which acted as a chimney for air circulation through the building. Entries were typically in the corners of the buildings.

The cornerstone for the new Courthouse was laid on May 16, 1898. The architecture is described as Romanesque. Limestone blocks were brought from a quarry 10 miles north of New Braunfels on what is now Farm-to-Market 306. By September the outside of the Courthouse was complete and the United States flag with 44 stars was raised above the tower. All work on the inside was complete by December, including heating, electricity and plumbing, and on Sunday afternoon, January 22, 1899, the building was dedicated. It was a festive occasion, with Schulz’s Orchestra and the New Braunfels Men Singing Society included in the program.

A building to house the county jail was built adjoining the building on the backside in 1930-31. In 1951 it was decided that an expansion was needed. The building was expanded by 930 square feet and a new vault of 1,500 square feet was added. An elevator and air-conditioning were installed in 1966, the District Courtroom was renovated and painting and rewiring were done. In 1976, Walter Faust, Jr. presented a set of Belgium bells to the people of Comal County to be installed in the tower of the courthouse. These bells ring the time every fifteen minutes. Faust was a prominent local musician and gave the bells to honor his mother, Lottie Pfeuffer Faust. In July, 1985, an annex of red brick was begun on property adjoining the Courthouse on Seguin Street. The original Courthouse was also renovated at this time.

Today the Courthouse stands as a beacon in the community. At Christmas time it is gilded with thousands of lights, along with the entire Plaza. Tourists are continually seen taking snapshots of the building and reading the Historical marker placed in front by the Texas Historical Commission, the mission of which is to protect and preserve the state’s historic and prehistoric resources for the use, education, enjoyment and benefit of present and future generations. (830)620-5501