Facts
📍Region: Prairies and Lakes / City: Waxahachie
🗓️ Year Built: 1897
🧑🎨 Architect: James Riely Gordon
🏛️ Architectural Style: Romanesque Revival
💎 Unique Details: Adorning the courthouse are 21 stone faces, ranging from serene to grotesque. These were crafted by German stonemasons, adding a layer of mystery and artistry to the building. One tale suggests that a stonemason named Harry Herley carved the face of a local woman, Mabel Frame, who allegedly spurned his affections. Some believe the more distorted faces represent his feelings of rejection.
Why See It?
Constructed during a period when Waxahachie was among Texas’s wealthiest cities, the courthouse reflects the ambition and economic vitality of the era. The structure features a blend of Texas pink granite from Burnet County, gray granite, and Pecos red sandstone, creating a rich tapestry of colors and textures.
Nearby Highlights
Downtown Waxahachie Murals – Embark on a self-guided mural walking tour and experience the creativity of Downtown Waxahachie.
Photo Gallery
