Historic Ku Klux Klan records retained

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - Williamson County officials have decided the records of the Ku Klux Klan trials from 1923 to 1934 are to be kept.

The Texas Supreme Court has said court records are of such historical significance they should be preserved for interpreting the history of Texas.

The Texas Court Records Preservation Task Force, formed by the Supreme Court of Texas in 2009, will make the trial records its first preservation project for future generations to examine and review.

Williamson County officials are proud of the notoriety of holding the first successful conviction of Ku Klux Klan members that resulted in jail time for the accused.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has taken temporary custody of the Ku Klux Klan trial records, which will be presented at several meetings across the state. The records are available in the research room at the Lorenzo De Zavala State Archives and Library Building , 1201 Brazos St.

When the records are returned to Williamson County, people can view them in the District Clerk’s Office in the Williamson County Justice Center, 405 Martin Luther King Jr., Georgetown.

The District Clerk’s Office is home to many court documents that may be viewed by the public. The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday through Friday. No appointment is necessary.