Commissioners Approve Subject Marker for 1910 Courthouse

TYLER — The 1910 Smith County Courthouse will be commemorated with a subject marker by the City of Tyler Historical Preservation Board. Smith County Commissioners voted Tuesday to approve having the marker installed outside the present Smith County Courthouse. According to a county news release, the 1910 courthouse serves as a reminder of the importance of historic preservation. The subject marker program serves as a vital part of Tyler’s heritage by conveying stories of local, regional, state, and national history, according to the release. Officials say the marker will provide education to the public by revealing the historical background of the Courthouse. The history of the county’s sixth courthouse, as well as a full color digital graphic of the building, will be included on the marker.

The construction of the courthouse began in 1909 and was completed in 1910. The Courthouse was demolished in 1955, and the downtown square has since changed dramatically. Broadway Avenue, the major north/south corridor, now runs through what was the middle of the 1910 courthouse. The marker, produced by Sign Masters of Tyler, will not cost the county anything for its purchase, placement, or maintenance. It will be paid for using Tyler Historic Preservation Board funds. The Tyler Historical Preservation Board was created in 1969 and is responsible for promoting and designating areas of historical, cultural, or architectural importance and significance in the Tyler community.