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True Tales
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Hill County Courthouses
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| Replica of first Courthouse, Cell Block Museum |
1 North Waco Street, Hillsboro, Texas
254-582-2481
Soon after Hill County was founded in 1853, the first county courthouse in Hillsboro was a 12-foot square structure made of elm poles. Essentially, it was a log cabin. The floor was dirt and the single entrance was a clapboard door.
The first trial to be held in this courthouse was a case between Ridlen and Hartgraves who each claimed possession of a certain yearling. While the six-member jury was trying to reach a verdict, Ridlen pulled a pistol and shot at Hartgraves but missed. Ridlen then ran after Hartgraves and killed him with a Bowie knife. Deputy Sheriff Louis Boda arrested Ridlen, but he was able to escape that night. Hartgraves' widow then offered a reward for the capture of Ridlen, who was caught and killed while resisting arrest.
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| Hill County Courthouse c. 1874 - 1890 |
The following year a frame structure was authorized by the court, and the second Hill County Courthouse was built for $200. This was followed in the early 1870's by a two-story brick building.
The current courthouse was completed in 1891, and was built at a cost of $83,000. The three story limestone Second Empire style [more] structure, modified with Classical Revival and Italianate styling, was designed by W. C. Dodson of Waco, who also designed the county jailhouse. Rising majestically from surrounding farmland, it was the prize of the county.
The building is divided into four quadrants with intersecting halls. The three main floors are highlighted with Corinthian columns. Including the clock tower, the structure rises seven stories tall, and is the tallest building in the county.
The District Courtroom is on the second floor, with a balcony on the third floor. A Law Library, County Courtroom, and offices fill the remaining interior of the building.
On New Years' Day 1993 , a massive fire destroyed most of the structure. Hill County citizens banded together to raise funds to restore the courthouse, which can now be seen from miles away, in all its original glory.
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| Hill County Courthouse Postcard |
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| Courthouse at Night |
