WISE COUNTY COURTHOUSE

Wise County has had four Courthouses, two of which burned. The present Courthouse, located in the middle of the square was constructed at a cost of $110,000, which was thought by many to be excessive, and the officials were not re-elected. The stone was pre-cut and each piece numbered then shipped from Burnet County, Texas. The stones were raised by a windlass pulled by donkeys walking in a circle drawing the rope tight. The building completed in 1896, is of pink granite with an interior of Vermont marble, and has been pronounced architecturally perfect. Bids for the courthouse clock were opened May 14, 1896 and was purchased from E. Howard & Company. All indebtedness was paid off in 1945. The building was modernized in the 1960s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a recorded Texas Historical Landmark with the appropriate medallion and plaque proudly displayed. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday and guided tours can be arranged by contacting the County Judge at (940) 627-5743.