This 1893 building has survived multiple fires, including a severe blaze in 1952, and was fully restored through the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program.

The exterior of the three-story courthouse is built with cream-colored limestone and red sandstone. The central clock tower houses a four-faced Seth Thomas Clock Company clock and a 900-pound bell. The mansard roof of the courthouse is characteristic of Second Empire design.

The exterior has been featured in the films What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) and Waiting for Guffman (1996)