Once of the things that Texas is known for is the elaborately built County Courthouses. My hometown has one of the most iconic courthouses in the state. This is top of the Wise County Courthouse in Decatur, Texas. It is the masterpiece in the town square with the roadway and parking spaces separating it from 4 sides of shops & eateries. With architectural similarities to a castle, it is the fourth courthouse built in Decatur and was completed in 1896. The exterior is made of pink granite with the interior made of Vermont marble and total building cost was $110,000 which was considered quite excessive in those days. The clock and bell were commissioned upon completion at a cost of $1340.00. You can hear the ringing on the hour for miles. The complete building debt for this courthouse was paid off in 1945.

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Lisa Coleman Avatar

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6 responses to “SQUARE TOPS – Looking at the Top – Wise County Courthouse”

  1. John Avatar

    It’s a beauty!! The cell tower doesn’t add to the building. The costs seem so low today.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa Coleman Avatar

      It adds when you are there to hear it. Like church bells when it goes off. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. John Avatar

        πŸ™πŸ»β˜ΊοΈ

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  2. Jim Borden Avatar

    we live right next to Villanova University, and every night we can hear the bells playing the alma mater…

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    1. Lisa Coleman Avatar

      That is so cool! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jim Borden Avatar

        it is reassuring…

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