Anson Outlived the Railroad Bet That Put It There

Jones County first used Fort Phantom Hill as its temporary seat. After three elections in 1881, voters chose a settlement of about twenty people called Jones City. It was near the county's center, on land offered by John Merchant, who expected the Texas and Pacific Railway to pass through.

The railroad chose Abilene instead. Jones City kept growing anyway. It became Anson in 1882, taking the first name of Anson Jones, the Republic of Texas's last president. The county tried a small frame courthouse, bought a hotel for court use in 1884, and built a brick courthouse in 1886.

Growth brought another replacement in 1910. Elmer G. Withers designed the present Beaux Arts courthouse in brick and Pecos red sandstone, with a domed clock tower and Lady Justice above it. The railroad bet missed, but the public square became permanent.