Historic Courthouse

Wise County Courthouse

Decatur, Texas

Built in 1896 in RomanesqueRevival architectual style by architect J. Riely Gordon by contractor John A. White.

J. Riely Gordon's design of the Wise County Courthouse was similar but not identical to his design for the Ellis County Courthouse. The Wise County Courthouse, built in 1896, illustrates Romanesque Revival characteristics that are found in a number of Gordon's Texas courthouses. This includes the use of turrets, a tower, segmented massing and fine ashlar masonry of contrasting textures and hues. In addition, it reveals the Greek cross plan developed by Gordon with access at the four re-entrant angles and a central stair. Turrets and dormers mark the east and west facades. At the north and south elevations, the arms of the cross are connected visually by the swinging curve of the four entry pavilions. The central tower, with its projecting balconies, setbacks and dormers, crowns the building. Particularly distinctive is the fine masonry work throughout the structure. The exterior walls are of rusticated pink granite, while the main columns are of polished pink granite. Terra cotta is used in the friezes, turrets and dormers, and the roof is of red clay tile. Inside, the courthouse was given the finest appointments, including marble and granite floors and wainscots, indoor plumbing and electric lights. A large cypress cistern in the attic supplied water pressure. Interior trim and doors were milled from oak, and the courtroom, complete with balcony, was furnished with fine oak furniture. Access to the upper floors was provided by a winding cast iron staircase in the building's rotunda that became a long spiral stair providing access to the tower. The tower provided the building with natural ventilation and light, by way of a glass skylight, and housed the E. Howard and Company clock and bell. Although the balcony of the courtroom has been enclosed to make room for a second courtroom, most windows have been replaced, and the main stair has been altered to accommodate an elevator, the Wise County Courthouse retains the majority of its original design and detail.

Remodeled in 1960. Exterior sandblasted; some windows replaced.

Current status: Active Courthouse

The Texas Historical Commission's (THC) nationally recognized and award-winning Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) has turned around the trend of disrepair and begun restoring these treasured historic landmarks. Texas has more historic courthouses than any other state. Today more than 240 courthouses still stand that are least 50 years old. About 80 were built before the turn of the 20th century. By the end of that century, most of these structures were significantly deteriorated due to inadequate maintenance, insensitive modifications or weather related damage. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) documented the condition of 50 of the state’s oldest courthouses in the late 1990s and determined that counties lacked the resources to preserve the buildings for future generations.

gravesites fraternal organizations
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Texas random facts
Wise County is located in northern Texas and has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1856. The area was initially occupied by indigenous tribes such as the Kiowa and Wichita before European settlement began. The county was named after Henry A. Wise, a Governor of Virginia who supported Texas' annexation.

In the early years, Wise County was primarily used for ranching and farming due to its fertile soil and abundant water supply. The arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver Railway in the late 1800s brought increased opportunities for trade and commerce, spurring economic growth in the region.

During the Civil War, Wise County remained divided between Unionists and Confederates, leading to some conflict within the county. After the war, the discovery of coal deposits in the area led to the establishment of coal mining towns, including Newark and Rhome. These towns ushered in a new era of industrialization and attracted more settlers to the county in search of employment.

In the early 20th century, Wise County experienced a decline in coal mining due to competition from other energy sources. However, the discovery of oil in the 1920s sparked a new economic boom. Today, Wise County remains a hub for oil and gas production, contributing significantly to the local economy. It also boasts a diverse agricultural industry and has become a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Wise County, Texas.

  • 1856 - Wise County is established and named after Virginia Governor Henry A. Wise.
  • 1860 - The first post office, called Taylorsville, is established in the county.
  • 1867 - The county's first courthouse is built in Decatur, the county seat.
  • 1873 - The Wise County Old Settlers Association is founded to preserve the county's history.
  • 1882 - The Wise County Messenger, the county's oldest newspaper, is established.
  • 1883 - The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway is completed, connecting Wise County to major cities.
  • 1905 - The county's second courthouse, a grand Neoclassical building, is completed.
  • 1920 - The oil boom hits Wise County, leading to increased drilling and economic growth.
  • 1927 - The county's third courthouse, a Modern Classical structure, is completed.
  • 1969 - Lake Bridgeport, a reservoir, is completed, providing water recreation opportunities.
  • 2000 - The population of Wise County reaches over 48,000 people.
  • 2015 - The Wise County Heritage Museum is established to showcase the county's history.