Center in Shelby County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Shelby County Courthouse

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 2014

1. Shelby County Courthouse Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

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

Erected 1969 by State of Texas. (Marker Number 7695.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings.

Location. 31° 47.709′ N, 94° 10.875′ W. Marker is in Center, Texas, in Shelby County. Marker is on Shelbyville Street west of San Augustine Street, on the left when traveling west. Marker is mounted on the north side of subject courthouse, on the right side of the entrance, above the cornerstone. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 124 Austin Street, Center TX 75935, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. John Joseph Emmett Gibson (within shouting distance of this marker); Shelby County (within shouting distance of this marker); C.S.A. Texas Muster (within shouting distance of this marker); First Christian Church of Center (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fairview Cemetery (approx. 0.9 miles away); Poultry Pioneers Plaza (approx. one mile away); Martin McCoy Middleton (approx. 1.1 miles away); Malcolm S. Weaver (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Center.

Also see . . .
1. Shelby County Courthouse.
We could not help but notice the numerous chimneys surrounding Shelby County's 1885 courthouse. A total of twelve chimneys encompass that beautiful brick structure. The architect, J. J. E. Gibson of Ireland, wanted his masterpiece to look like the castles he had seen while growing up in his native country. This courthouse is now the only remaining Irish castle style courthouse in the United States. (Submitted on December 4, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Shelby County Courthouse. (nice selection of courthouse interior pictures)
Designed in the 1800’s by an Irish immigrant (John Gibson) – it does evoke the feeling of ancient castles, as it was meant to do. Just walking around, you get the feel of the 1800’s. Everything is real from that time period – the floors,

Shelby County Courthouse Marker (<i>tall view showing cornerstone below marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 2014

2. Shelby County Courthouse Marker (tall view showing cornerstone below marker)

the ceilings, the courtroom, the narrow stairwells. You really do need to experience to understand. Hopefully, the pictures will inspire you to do just that. (Submitted on December 4, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Shelby County Courthouse Cornerstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 2014

3. Shelby County Courthouse Cornerstone

Texas Historical Medallion (<i>opposite entrance from marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 2014

4. Texas Historical Medallion (opposite entrance from marker)

Shelby County Courthouse (<i>wide view - marker visible on right side of entrance</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 2014

5. Shelby County Courthouse (wide view - marker visible on right side of entrance)

Shelby County Courthouse (<i>west side view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 2014

6. Shelby County Courthouse (west side view)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 221 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 4, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.