Texas Courthouses (Dallas, El Paso, Corpus Christi: best, build, photos)

[Lakewooder]

The Dallas County Courthouse now has the original clock tower rebuilt (it's been gone since 1919):

[turkeytrot]

There is a lot of pride and craftsmanship that went into these courthouses and it's a crying shame that a few decades later folks decided they wanted something more modern or current.

[fierce_flawless]

Anyone have a pic of the New Braunfels (Comal County) Courthouse? (the old one)?

When I lived there it was still in use. Lovely.

Google Image Result for http://i.pbase.com/g4/98/403198/2/65017565.5VZDgPpC.jpg

I was saddened by this, last time I was in Corpus Christi, as it is now in ruins (Nueces County original courthouse):

Google Image Result for http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2102/2354909831_27f0e80963.jpg?v=1206311155

But here's how it looked in the past:

http://www.library.ci.corpus-christi...9%203-1-36.jpg

Stunning.

[Canine*Castle]

Originally Posted by High_Plains_Retired

I'll vote for the Hill County courthouse at Hillsboro, Texas.

So do I. After the fire on January 1, 1993 which destroyed much of it, many people wanted to tear it entirely down and modernize it. Ugh! I'm so glad that didn't happen. With the help of caring people, many fund raisers including Willie Nelson concerts (Hill County is where he was raised), and many years, it was brought back to where it is today. When that old clock tower tumbed in the wee hours of the morning 15 years ago and the flames were roaring, it was very sad. It really tugged at my heartstrings. The courthouse is quite delightful inside as well. Texas truly does have some beautiful old courthouses and the 1890 courthouse in Hill County is one of them.

[turkeytrot]

So much character in these grand structures whether it's dark stone or white or accented they should be preserved whenever possible and not disposed of or covered up because it looks old.
We need to keep our history.

[omiks3]

[lothartheterrible]

The McLennan County Courthouse in Waco is a spectacular looking building; it is a more regal and attractive building than some state capitols.

A few other good ones I can think of right off the top of my head:

Tarrant County (Fort Worth)
Parker County (Weatherford)
Denton County (Denton)
Lee County (Giddings)
Harrison County (Marshall)
Hood County (Granbury)

Also, there are some cool looking retired courthouses in former county seats spread throughout the state; some of which look much better than the current ones. For example; the former Irion County Courthouse in Sherwood is a gothic, imposing structure with class and prominence. The current one in Mertzon is a plain brick box.

[jtur88]

Great site. I'm very proud of the courthouse here in Victoria County---certainly on the short list of the most spectacular.

[jluke65780]

Waco,Tx:

[lothartheterrible]

Originally Posted by jtur88

Great site. I'm very proud of the courthouse here in Victoria County---certainly on the short list of the most spectacular.

Agreed.