GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) – The iconic Williamson County Courthouse in Georgetown has been named as part of an endangered list, putting it into an elite group of Texas landmarks.

That was the revelation Wednesday at an event where members of the National Trust for Historic preservation group joined the Texas Historical Commission announced America’s 11 most endangered historical places. Among those were “Texas Courthouses,” a category in and of itself listed as endangered sites.

“[There are] more courthouses in Texas than anywhere else in the country and probably the most significant collection of historical houses that you’ll ever find anywhere in the country,” said Jim Lindberg of The National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Stanley Graves of the Texas Historical Commission said that finding the money to maintain aging courthouses can be a challenge.

“They’re usually endangered by a lack of funds available to maintain them properly,” he said. “Many of these are old properties that have not been maintained over the years.”

But the Texas Historical Commission wants to change that.

A total of 244 Texas courthouses fall under the “historical” designation and several of them can be found statewide, including one nearby.

Williamson County is well known area known for tough law enforcement. Now, because of its 101-year-old courthouse, it’s also known for its historical value.

“The Williamson County courthouse is one of the courthouses that’s been through our program and received a grant several years ago,” Graves said. “It’s a good example of a courthouse that’s a center piece of a vital community.”

Several area folks say the courthouse draws the community together.

“Georgetown is a beautiful town and their courthouse is gorgeous,” said Claire Thomas of Sun City.

Deb Thomas agreed. “It’s one of the reasons we moved here. We love the town square, we love the historic value.”