Hood County court approves donated plaque recognizing courthouse historic district

Hood County Commissioners Court voted Dec. 19 to accept and install a donated bronze plaque recognizing the Hood County Courthouse Historic District’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The Bridge Street History Center will cover the full cost of the plaque and its marble base.

Members of the Bridge Street History Center described the plaque as overdue recognition for a district centered on the second‑empire courthouse designed by W.C. Dodson and said the marker will be placed at the south entrance of the courthouse grounds. The history center told the court it had consulted the Texas Historical Commission and local historic groups and received their concurrence with the proposed language and placement.

The county judge moved to approve the installation, noting the total cost was being donated by the Bridge Street History Center. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Court members thanked the history center committee and the volunteer architect who provided the design.

No county funds were budgeted or required for the marker’s purchase or installation, and staff said final placement on courthouse grounds will follow standard approvals for items placed on county property. The history center said the physical plaque and installation are expected to take a couple of months, with a possible public ceremony in early February.