Historic Courthouse

Wise County Courthouse

Decatur, Texas

Built in 1883 in Second Empire architectual style.

The county constructed a new two story courthouse in the Second Empire style in 1883. It met the ground with a minimal base with each facade arranged in a series of bays; 5 bays on the front and rear facades, 3 on the sides. Entrances on each facade were emphasized by the projection of the central bay and were accented by a shallow bracketed balcony above. The projecting entry of the main facade continued upward to create a dominant central tower with a large domed mansard roof with projecting clock dormers on each side. The remaining three entry bays were topped with ornate pediments flanked by elaborate chimney tops which projected through the roof just behind the bracketed cornice line. The roof was constructed with two tiers, the lower being more steeply pitched than the upper, and was embellished with roof cresting at the corners and on the top of the tower. Unfortunately, the fire which destroyed the previous courthouse did not inspire the county to construct a fire resistant building. Protection against fire was provided by a guard who watched the building at night. Before long, the guard seemed unnecessary and his protection was removed. Wise County's fourth courthouse burned on the night of January 12, 1895. The fire didn't just destroy the courthouse, it started a controversy over the location of the county seat. An election in November of 1885 overwhelmingly reaffirmed Decatur as the permanent county seat. Ironically, construction of the new courthouse in the middle of the square began in June, five months before the election was held. razed by fire 1895.

Current status: gone/burned 1/8/1895

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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The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
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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.