Welcome to the self-guided tour of the heart of Comal County – our historic 1898 courthouse. In 2013, it was restored to its original glory for the enjoyment of all.

New Braunfels was founded in 1845, and Comal County formed a year later. The historic plaza was home to the first log cabin courthouse until a new brick edifice was built in 1857. Planning for an even bigger courthouse began in 1897.

In 1898, famed architect James Riely Gordon’s design was chosen out of six proposed building plans. It was a hotly contested debate.

With the building showing its age at the turn of the 21st century, a debate was held on whether to renovate the courthouse or to restore it to its historic beauty.

The second-floor courtroom has been home to several historic cases over the years.

In May of 2013, hundreds of onlookers turned out to celebrate the rededication of this building and the rich heritage of this region.

Commissioner Jan Kennady was the heart and soul of the drive to restore the courthouse. Her passion for the project and her love for the community inspired us all.

With no color photography existing of the original courthouse interiors, restoration contractors become detectives as they pieced together clues to the original design.

Local craftsmen from the company founded by the famed Johann Jahn supplied the original furnishings, including the fixed gallery seating.

During restoration, contractors went through painstaking efforts to match the original electric lighting fixtures and window sashes.