Details for Old Red Courthouse

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5113006811

Data

Marker Number 6811
Atlas Number 5113006811
Marker Title Old Red Courthouse
Index Entry Old Red Courthouse
Address
City Dallas
County Dallas
UTM Zone 14
UTM Easting 705332
UTM Northing 3628865
Subject Codes courthouses; design and construction; Romanesque/Richardsonian Romanesque (Architectural style)
Marker Year 1977
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Yes
Marker Location Main, Houston and Commerce Sts.
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 27" x 42"
Marker Text Designated as public land in John Neely Bryan's 1844 city plat, this was the site of a log courthouse built after Dallas County was created in 1846. When Dallas won election as permanent county seat in 1850, Bryan deeded the property to the county, and a larger log structure was erected. In 1856 county offices occupied a 2-story brick edifice, rebuilt in 1860 after a fire that almost destroyed the city. The fourth courthouse, a 2-story granite structure erected in 1871, survived one fire in 1880 before it burned again in 1890. The Old Red Courthouse, the fifth seat of county government, was begun in 1890 and completed in 1892. Designed by Architect M. A. Orlopp, it exemplifies the Romanesque Revival style with its massive scale and rounded arches. The blue granite of the lower floor and window trim contrasts with the red sandstone of the upper stories. Eight circular turrets dominate the design. A clock tower with a 4500-pound bell originally topped the building, but it was removed in 1919. Two of the four clay figures perched on the roof have also been removed. To house the expanding county government, a new courthouse was built in 1965. Some offices remained in the 1890 structure, which was renovated in 1968. RTHL - 1977
ATLAS_NUM=5113006811

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