Hill County Courthouse in Hillsboro, TX

HILL COUNTY COURTHOUSE
HILLSBORO, TX
picture from Texas Escapes

While on a quick day-trip to Waco, the Road Warriors took a short side trip off I-35 and made a quick visit to the little town of Hillsboro.  Of course, The Travelling Toe was so excited to discover the Hill County Courthouse right in the middle of the quaint town.  It was not open the day we visited but a few outside photos were obtained.

The courthouse was designed by W.C. Dodson - who also designed the courthouses for Denton and Hood counties.

Hill County Courthouse was built in 1890 from limestone. The courthouse is a mix of several styles including Second Empire, Classical Revival and Italianate.  There are Corinthian columns around the building and a mansard roof.  The middle tower reaches 70 feet and houses a beautiful clock.

A mansard roof is described has having 2 slopes on each of the four sides.  This type of roof allows for extra room in the attic area.

Hill county and the city of Hillsboro were named for Dr. George W Hill who served as a congressmen and the Secretary of War for the Republic of Texas.  

There is a sad note to the history of this courthouse. In January, 1993 the courthouse caught fire.  Even with firefighters from 15 companies fighting the fire, it could not be saved and when the grand clock tower collapsed all hope was lost. Restoration architects from Dallas were retained to re-build the courthouse.  With few blueprints available of the destroyed courthouse, the restoration team used the Hood County Courthouse in Granbury as a template since Dodson,designed them both.  The restoration on the courthouse was finally finished in 1999.  In just looking at the courthouse it does have the look like a vintage building.  

One very famous Texas son provided some much needed financial assistance for the 
re-build.  It was singer song-writer Willie Nelson.  Who knew?

There are several nice trees surrounding the courthouse along with some statues and a bell.

So take the time to exit off I-35 and drive to the cute little town of Hillsboro and visit this amazing county courthouse, who like a Phoenix rose from the flames of fire.



Photos of the Hill County Courthouse taken by The Travelling Toe.