Ellis County Courthouse
Print
Email
Save to Favorites
Trip Ideas
View This Map
--- Click to Enlarge ---
Explore Further
The nine-story, red granite and sandstone Ellis County Courthouse (101 W. Main St., 972/825-5000, Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) is an architectural masterpiece, and is well worth making the 30-minute drive from Dallas to see.
Designed in the Romanesque Revival style, this 1897 building is a true sight to behold—ornate nooks and crannies give way to massive architectural design features and the entire castle-like element of the edifice is awe inspiring.
One of the building’s fascinating pieces of folklore involves a face carved atop the sandstone columns. The face begins as an attractive homage to a woman, rumored to be the granddaughter of the stone carver’s landlord, but becomes progressively more grotesque, apparently reflecting the unrequited attraction she felt for him.
The interior of the building is also a visual spectacle, with intricate detailing, historically accurate color schemes, and ornate woodwork.
© Andy Rhodes from Moon Texas, 6th Edition
Buy Moon Travel Guides
Search
Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.