10 Historic Texas Courthouses Everyone’s Bucket List Needs

Texas has more historic courthouses than any other state—over 225 of them, with 86 on the National Register of Historic Places.

These magnificent structures were designed to be landmarks, symbols of civic pride visible for miles across the vast Texas landscape.

Many were built during the late 1800s when communities showcased their prosperity through architecture, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.

From Romanesque Revival castles to pink granite palaces, these treasures tell the story of our state’s past while continuing to serve their communities today.

Consider this your bucket list of must-see Texas courthouses.

1. Ellis County Courthouse – Waxahachie

The Ellis County Courthouse has been called one of the most photographed structures in Texas.

Designed by J. Riely Gordon and completed in 1895, this Romanesque Revival masterpiece features intricate “Pecos Red” sandstone carvings covering nearly every surface.

The Texas Society of Architects rated it the eighth most significant architectural achievement in the state.

Hollywood loves it too—the courthouse appeared in Bonnie and Clyde, Tender Mercies, and recently, Taylor Sheridan’s Lawmen: Bass Reeves. Tours are available Monday through Friday.

2. Hopkins County Courthouse – Sulphur Springs

Regarded by many as the most beautiful courthouse in Texas, this Romanesque Revival gem features pink granite and red sandstone walls that seem to glow in afternoon light.

Also designed by J. Riely Gordon in 1894-1895, it boasts a unique double-helix staircase and a clockless tower—local leaders declared you don’t need a clock if you rise and sleep with the sun.

Meticulously restored in 2002, it remains an operating courthouse open daily.

3. Tarrant County Courthouse – Fort Worth

Built in 1895 from the same pink Texas granite as the State Capitol, this Renaissance Revival beauty dominates the Fort Worth skyline.

The building cost over $400,000, so extravagant that citizens ousted the entire county court.

Restored in 2014, visitors can explore original courtrooms, a stunning rotunda, and historic photographs within walking distance of Sundance Square.

4. Presidio County Courthouse – Marfa

Rising like a pink mirage from the West Texas desert, this courthouse is so visually striking it’s been featured on “Accidentally Wes Anderson.”

Alfred Giles designed this Second Empire-style beauty in 1886, visible from anywhere in town.

Lady Justice tops the dome—though she’s missing her scales and sword, reportedly shot off by a cowboy declaring, “There is no justice in Presidio County.” Climb to the fifth floor for panoramic views, then explore Marfa’s art scene.

5. Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square – Denton

Completed in 1896, this courthouse features an extraordinary mix of materials: tan limestone, brown sandstone, and 82 pink granite columns topped with red stone capitals.

The central octagonal tower rises above four ancillary domes, possibly inspired by Florence’s Il Duomo.

Today, it houses the free Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum, and founding father John B. Denton is buried on the grounds.

6. Caldwell County Courthouse – Lockhart

Visit this 1894 Alfred Giles-designed courthouse and get two Texas treasures—stunning architecture and the Barbecue Capital of Texas.

The Second Empire-style building opened with such modern amenities as electricity and four water closets.

After admiring the architecture, hit legendary spots like Kreuz Market or Black’s. Perfect Texas day trip.

7. Bexar County Courthouse – San Antonio

While most visitors make a beeline for the Alamo, architecture enthusiasts should see this 1896 courthouse, resembling a medieval European castle.

The Romanesque Revival design features rounded arches, towering pillars, and dramatic reddish-orange sandstone.

Bexar County has maintained government within two blocks of this location since 1731.

8. Coryell County Courthouse – Gatesville

About 40 miles west of Waco, Gatesville hides one of Texas’ prettiest courthouses.

This 1897 Romanesque Revival gem features rough limestone accented by red sandstone, four red-domed towers, and pearl-white Greco-Roman statues guarding an ornate clock tower.

The bright reddish-orange columns above the three-arched entryway are particularly impressive.

9. Shelby County Courthouse – Center

This petite courthouse looks like something from an Irish fairy tale—fitting, since Irish builder John Joseph Emmett Gibson was inspired by his homeland’s castles.

Local legend holds that in 1866, Center’s boosters held an unpublicized election to move the county seat, then absconded with records under the cover of darkness. A very Texas origin story.

10. Wharton County Courthouse – Wharton

A white clock tower captures attention, but notice how green mansard roofs and triangular towers complement the tan brick façade.

Located an hour southwest of Houston, the courthouse anchors a charming square with shops and restaurants. Time your visit for a show at the historic Plaza Theatre.

Where History Stands Tall in Stone and Granite

These ten courthouses represent just a fraction of Texas’s architectural treasures.

Sharon Fleming of the Texas Historical Commission notes that Texas county courthouses average 112 years of age and were often a community’s first architect-designed building.

Those clock towers weren’t superfluous—they served as beacons visible for miles, destinations for ranchers registering brands or couples marrying before the justice of the peace.

Thanks to over $290 million in state preservation grants since 1999, many have been restored to their original grandeur.

Gas up the car, grab a camera, and start checking these beauties off your bucket list.

Which will you visit first? Let us know in the comments!