Lamesa’s local history connects a courthouse built in 1916 with a striking renovation in 1952, the memory of a former community, and historical ties to the landscape. There is also a culinary tradition, marked by a festival celebrated every April that offers a specific time of year for a trip.

The Dawson County Courthouse: Construction and Renovation

On Lamesa’s square stands the brick Dawson County Courthouse, built in 1916. It was originally constructed in the Classical Revival style. A major renovation in 1952 changed the courthouse: the ornamental parapet and entrance porticoes were removed, and a large, unadorned brick building was added. The dates mark distinct stages: 1916 is the year of construction, while 1952 marks the later alteration to the design. The changes included both the removal of prominent architectural features and the addition of the large brick building. Those interested in architecture can distinguish the original style from the later alterations and understand both as part of the same building’s history.

Remembering the Former Community of Chicago

A historical memorial on North 22nd Street now commemorates the former community of Chicago. This adds another subject to the courthouse story: rather than focusing on a construction date and architectural changes, it centers on a former community. The memorial thus offers a distinct way to explore local history, separate from the history of the courthouse building. Together, these two subjects show that Lamesa’s past is told both through the development of a building and through the memory of a former community.

Landscape, Name and Historic Route

The landscape also plays a role in the city’s history. The name Lamesa comes from the Spanish word mesa, meaning table, and describes the city’s location on the South Plains plateau. Sulphur Springs Draw, in turn, served later ranchers and settlers as a route on their way to the railroad connection in Big Spring. The name and the draw tell different parts of the story: the name explains the connection to the landscape through the city’s location, while the route speaks to earlier settlement and the journey to the railroad. In this way, the linguistic origin of the place name and the draw’s historic function complement one another without telling the same story.

Chicken Fried Steak and the April Festival

Lamesa is considered the home of Chicken Fried Steak and celebrates this culinary connection every April with a three-day festival. This adds a recurring culinary event to the city’s architectural and local history. The festival tradition offers a specific seasonal reference for travel planning; however, future dates may vary. If you want the festival to be part of your trip, check the exact dates for that year before planning your stay.

Those primarily interested in the courthouse, the memorial or the historic connections to the landscape will have a different focus than travelers planning specifically around the April festival.

For the broader travel overview: Dawson County.