Texas Porch

Historic Courthouse

The 1896 Wise County Courthouse Was Restored to Its Original Design

The Wise County Courthouse in Decatur dates to 1896 and was restored with an $8.4 million grant through a Texas state preservation program.

Wise County History & Culture

The Wise County Courthouse at 101 N. Trinity St. in Decatur was built in 1896. Architect J. Riely Gordon designed it in the Richardsonian Romanesque style — a look defined by turrets, arched windows, and a central clock tower. The exterior uses pink granite and terra-cotta ornamentation.

Texas Historical Commission awarded an $8.4 million grant in 2023 through Round XII of the Historic Courthouse Preservation Program. The two-year restoration brought the building back to its 1896 appearance while adding modern systems. The courthouse was rededicated in October 2025 and remains an active county courthouse.

Source to confirm: Texas Historical Commission — Wise County Courthouse Rededication

More Wise County notes

Property Tax

Who Sets Your Property Value in Wise County

The Wise County Appraisal District sets the value of your property, and a separate tax office collects the bill.

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Property Tax

The Homestead Exemption Saves Money on Your Tax Bill

If your home in Wise County is your main residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption to lower your property tax.

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Agricultural Valuation

Farm and Ranch Land Can Be Taxed at a Lower Rate

Landowners who use their land for farming, ranching, or wildlife management may qualify for a much lower tax valuation.

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Special Districts

Special Districts Can Add to Your Property Tax Bill

Some Wise County properties fall inside special districts that add their own property taxes on top of county and school rates.

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