April 12, 2023 - The Shelby County Historic Courthouse was assigned new docents during the Commissioners' Court meeting held January 4, 2023. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) local chapter, William Carroll Crawford, will be the new guides for tours of the Historic 1885 Courthouse in downtown Center.
The courthouse will be open from 1pm until 4:30pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Saturday tours are available as well by appointment with a weeks notice appreciated.
Unfortunately, tours will not be available May 3rd through May 6th due to a scheduling conflict with the 2023 DRT Convention. Tours will resume on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.
The DRT is excited for this opportunity to share the history of Shelby County and it's Irish castle, the 1885 Courthouse built by J.J.E. Gibson. The DRT is in the early stages of developing the tour with plans for more exciting information to come.
Chapter President Merle Howard shares, "We are delighted for this opportunity to partner with the County and to share our love for Texas History and local history with anyone interested. Plans are in the works for special Saturday History Days which will be fun family activities on the downtown square that will bring our Texas History alive."
Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison added, “I am so excited to have our Historic Courthouse open for tours, I would like to encourage everyone, county residents and visitors to tour this historical building. We must appreciate our past to fully understand our future. Welcome to Shelby County’s Historic Irish Castle.”
For more information about the 1885 Courthouse, visit online at 1885courthouse.com. The website will be kept updated regarding hours of availability as well as more information on its history coming soon.
