Shelby County Courthouse (old) - Center, TX
Posted by: 
WalksfarTX
N 31° 47.707 W 094° 10.889
15R E 388152 N 3518334
This former courthouse is now the only remaining example of Irish castle style courthouses in the United States.
Waymark Code: WMPH4W
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 08/31/2015
Views: 3
From Texas Historical Marker:
"Built to resemble Irish castle (1883-1885) by architect J. J. E. Gibson, from Ireland. Style is, in part, "Romanesque revival." In 1866 county records were held at this site after being secretly taken from Shelbyville by R. L. Parker and Sam Weaver following a contested election naming Center as county seat. The noted land dispute case of heirs of Sydney O. Penington, signer of Texas Declaration of Independence, was tried here, 1896. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1969"
Year Built: 1885
Current Use of Building: Government Offices
Level of Courts: County
Architect: J. J. E. Gibson
Dates this building was used to house judicial proceedings: 1886-1994
Physical Address:
Hwy 7 at Austin Street
Center, TX
Related Website: [Web Link]
Hours: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
At least one original photograph should be added to the gallery. And please describe your impressions and visit to the courthouse.