The 1896 Wise County Courthouse Was Restored to Its Original Design

The Wise County Courthouse at 101 N. Trinity St. in Decatur was built in 1896. Architect J. Riely Gordon designed it in the Richardsonian Romanesque style — a look defined by turrets, arched windows, and a central clock tower. The exterior uses pink granite and terra-cotta ornamentation.

Texas Historical Commission awarded an $8.4 million grant in 2023 through Round XII of the Historic Courthouse Preservation Program. The two-year restoration brought the building back to its 1896 appearance while adding modern systems. The courthouse was rededicated in October 2025 and remains an active county courthouse.