WHARTON TEX.COM

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The Modernized Courthouse Above

The modernized courthouse above was restored to its 1888 
condition and is the pride of Wharton County. All the stucco 
and add-ons were removed from the modernized version to 
restore the courthouse to its original grandeur.








The town and county were named after William H. Wharton, a 
lawyer, member of the Convention of 1832 and Minister to the 
United States, and his brother John A. Wharton, also a lawyer,
 soldier, Secretary of War and representative from Brazoria 
County to the First Congress of the Republic of Texas.  
The land where the city of Wharton is now located was 
originally part of a league granted to William Kincheloe 
and his family in 1824.  Located on the east bank of the 
Colorado River, in what was known as the "Great Prairie 
Canebrake of "Bay Prairie". This rich flood plain was 
covered with a dense stand of tall switch cane through
 which flowed Caney Creek, originally a bed of the 
Colorado River.  



This cane had to be cut down by the first team to survey 
of town site.  Kincheloe donated the land for the 
courthouse and central square,now known as 
Monterey Square.  Land below the square providing 
access to the river was designated as Kincheloe Common.  
Under Mexican and Texan laws, water rights remained 
with the government. Rain collected in cisterns and well 
water provided the drinking water.