The Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) local chapter, William Carroll Crawford, were assigned as new docents for the Historic Courthouse in downtown Center by the Commissioners' Court earlier this year. As docents, they will also be tour guides for the 1885 structure.
The courthouse will be open from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Saturday tours are also available by appointment with one week’s notice appreciated.
Unfortunately, tours will not be available May 3 through May 6 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 historic 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 updated regularly regarding hours of availability as well as more information on its history coming soon.