Palestine, TX, is the county seat for Anderson County.

This structure was built in 1914. It replaced an 1885-built courthouse that burned down.

The 1885-built courthouse was designed partially by Wesley Dodson, who also designed Texas courthouses in Hillsboro, Lampases, Granbury, Weatherford, and a few other places.

This massive courthouse just takes over the square.

As you walk up to the courthouse, it’s difficult to capture the dome in a close photo because the building is on elevated mound, thus making it seem taller as you walk up.

The beautiful stained glass is illuminated by the glass windows of the dome.

Marble stairs lead you along the levels of the courthouse.

There’s above and below ground levels. The building has amazing detail inside and out.

The staircase is in the center of the building and the offices are along the perimeter. Notice the Fallout Shelter sign on the center-right from the Cold War days.

This massive structure can be seen for blocks away. Notice the brick chimney on the right side. Old courthouses used log fires for heat when they were originally built!