According to the historical website, the author James A. Michener writes about the Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie, TX: “A fairy tale palace…replete with battlements and turrets and spires…and miniature castles high in the air… one of the finest buildings in Texas.”
That was from his book, Texas. With an endorsement like that, I’m not sure I could say much more about the courthouse that is the subject of today’s Thursday Doors.
Here is a bit more history:
Texas has more historic courthouses (225) than any other state. Of these, 86 are on the National Register and 78 are Texas Historic Landmarks. Courthouses have always been a symbol of self-government, power and civic pride. Collectively, the courthouses were viewed as a sign of progress. They served as the heart of the community and the hub of social activity. The Ellis County Courthouse was no exception to the rule.
This courthouse is the fourth one to stand on this site, starting with an 1850 log cabin costing $59, a wooden frame structure in 1854 for $1,999, and two-story yellow limestone structure with a tower for $40,000 circa 1870. Finally the most recently restored courthouse was formally accepted in 1897 at a cost of approximately $130,000 plus the supervising architect’s fee.
I think they got their money’s worth.
This is part of Dan’s Thursday Doors challenge.
All photos are copyright © Timothy J. Hammons, 2022.
Photography That Matters 
59$ for a log cabin might have been steep, but I think they got a good deal on this one 😉
I love the mix of brownstone and lighter stone in the facade. The building is striking, and your photos highlight it very well. Thanks for the history, as well,. I always enjoy that.
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$59? I guess that might have been steep at the time. They would have to bring the logs in from east Texas, which isn’t too far. But that might have explained the cost.
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Great photos. Love the details on this building.
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Thanks. Me too. Now, if I can find some of the other great courthouses…
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Definitely not in SoCal. I’ve seen this kind of detail on churches but not our courthouses. 🤓
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What an impressive and lovely building! I’m surprised someone hasn’t tried to make them remove the sign by the Daughters of the Confederacy.
janet
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They may have tried. But this IS still Texas… for the time being.
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This building is grand and very impressive. The entry….gives the feeling of being swallowed by law, my impression.
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I’ve always loved turrets. Magnificent. (K)
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