Historic Courthouse

Ellis County Courthouse

Waxahachie, Texas

Built in 1896 in Romanesque Revival architectual style by architect J. Riely Gordon by contractor Otto Kroeger, San Antonio.

The Ellis County Courthouse, designed in 1895 by J. Riely Gordon, is rich in Romanesque detail. Even though the courthouse was designed by Gordon, he was not directly involved in the construction of the courthouse. A set of Gordon's plans were sold to Ellis County by Otto Kroeger, a building contractor who supervised the courthouse's construction. When the building was completed in 1897, it stood nine stories tall and featured a total of 23,739 feet. The massive quality of the building is enhanced by the exterior surface treatment of the masonry: Pink granite with a rock-faced texture is combined with red sandstone for the window lintel and sill bands. Windows are typically Romanesque in detail with rounded arches and slender proportions. An extensive gray slate roof of steep pitch follows the various undulations around the exterior walls. Projecting from the roof are turrets with conical roofs and dormers with chimney extensions. The copper cornice, turret detailing and a terra cotta frieze below the cornice, further embellish the courthouse. The center of the courthouses cross axial plan is marked by a massive clock tower with four clock faces and a pyramidal roof. On the interior, various county offices radiate from the central stairwell on all four levels. Originally, this stairwell was open from the basement to the top of the bell tower, but unfortunately, it has been converted to an elevator shaft. The interior of the courthouse still features original wainscot and mill work in many areas. The courthouse entrances are located in the four corners formed by the projecting arms of the cross. Unfortunately, the Ellis County Courthouse has been altered greatly through the year. The third floor balcony, which once overlooked the district courtroom, was removed in order to provide space for a additional third story offices. The exterior second floor porches were enclosed with glass block, further altering the courthouse's appearance. Another significant alteration has been the conversion of the central stairwell into an elevator shaft.

-Elevator in central stair opening-Offices built in second story porches- ISTEA Grant - Proposed renovation of portions of courthouse through exterior preservation, the installation of a visitors center and landscaping. The most critical exterior renovati

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.

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Ellis County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county was established on December 20, 1849, and was named after Richard Ellis, president of the convention that declared Texas' independence from Mexico.

The area that is now Ellis County was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Comanche. However, in the mid-1830s, European settlers began to arrive and establish homesteads in the region. These settlers were drawn to the fertile land and opportunities for farming and ranching.

During the Civil War, Ellis County was deeply divided, with residents supporting both the Union and the Confederacy. The county was the site of several skirmishes and raids, and endured a significant amount of destruction as a result. After the war, Ellis County began to rebuild and experienced a period of growth and development.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ellis County saw the rise of industries such as cotton farming, cattle ranching, and oil production. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further fueled the county's economic growth. Today, Ellis County remains an agricultural powerhouse, with a strong presence in the cotton and cattle industries, and is also home to a diverse range of businesses and thriving communities.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Ellis County, Texas.

  • 1849 - Ellis County is established from Navarro County.
  • 1850 - Waxahachie is selected as the county seat.
  • 1853 - The county courthouse is built.
  • 1881 - The Texas Central Railroad reaches Waxahachie, boosting the local economy.
  • 1883 - Southwestern Asylum for the Insane (now known as Terrell State Hospital) opens in Terrell, impacting the county's development.
  • 1889 - A fire destroys the Ellis County courthouse.
  • 1895 - A new courthouse is completed, designed by architect J. Riely Gordon.
  • 1921 - An oil boom begins in Ellis County, leading to increased prosperity.
  • 1934 - The Federal Correctional Institution is established in Seagoville.
  • 1942 - The Naval Air Station is established in Waxahachie during World War II.
  • 1969 - Navarro College opens a campus in Waxahachie.
  • 1987 - Bluebonnet Festival debuts in Ennis, becoming an annual celebration.
  • 2007 - Baylor Scott & White Medical Center opens in Waxahachie, providing advanced healthcare services to the county.