Governor Oscar B. Colquitt signed legislation creating Jim Wells County on March 11, 1911.  Taken from territory formerly a part of Nueces County.  The new county was named for prominent Brownsville attorney and business leader James B. Wells, Jr. (1850-1923).  The first county elections were held two months later and in January 1912 The citizens of the new county approved a bond election to finance the construction of a courthouse and jail. 

  The County Commissioners hired San Antonio's architect Atlee B. Ayers to design the courthouse.  The laying of the cornerstone on July 25, 1912 drew a crowd of more than 2,000 people.  Celebration activities included performances by the Alice Concert band and the Alice Symphony Club, as well as a barbecue, rodeo, and baseball game. Although It's original appearance has been altered, the Jim Wells Courthouse stands as a significant structure in the County's History and Continues to serve as the Center of County Government.