The Second Empire style building was designed by Oscar Ruffini of San Angelo.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 27, 1974.
The building served the county until 1902 when the present hand cut native limestone courthouse and jail were built.
The estimated cost of the courthouse was $30,000 paid for by bonds issued by the county.
In its first few decades of existence, the two-story structure also served as a community center for social events and weekly dances.