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 July 25, 2008 | Mills County Courthouse Texas County Courthouse Project #23: Mills County (Goldthwaite, Texas) In the second half of the 1800’s, the area that would become Mills County was about as “Wild West” as you could get. Between Indians and outlaws it wasn’t until the turn of the century that settlers could live without fear. As one early resident put it, it was a 'place that was a heaven for men and dogs, but hell for women and oxen.' Settlers and ranchers were killed by Indians and then terrorized by thieves, murderers and everything in between. Vigilante posses were formed to rid the area of the outlaws but became as much a part of the terror as those they were supposed to catch. During the Civil War very few men joined to fight because the danger at home was so great. The violence continued until the Texas Rangers were able to bring peace to the area in the late 1890’s. Mills County was officially formed in 1887 and named for John T. Mills, an Irish born judge of the Third, Seventh, and Eighth Judicial districts of the Republic of Texas. Mills ran for governor in 1849 but finished third behind Peter Hansbrough Bell and George T. Wood. When the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway came through the area in 1885, lots for a new town were auctioned off by an official from the railroad named Joseph Goldthwaite. The new town of Goldthwaite was born and became the county seat of Mills County the following year. Goldthwaite’s population steadily increased after 1900 but was hit hard by the depression and droughts in the 1930’s. Mills County’s 1890 courthouse burned in 1912 and was replaced with the current structure the following year. The photo on the top right is of the cornerstone from the 1890 building. 
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