Description:
The "Old Red" Courthouse is a historic and stately courthouse in downtown Dallas, that was built in 1892 out of red sandstone, hence its distinctive color and affectionate nickname. "Old Red" has Romanesque style architecture with spires on each corner of the building (our young daughter called it a castle), and beautiful arched entrances. Inside, the building has intricate tilework, grand arched hallways, and colorful glass windows over the entrances.
Right now, the building is being renovated, and is vacant, except for an incredibly useful "Dallas Visitor Information Center" on the ground floor. They have lots of free brochures and maps of area sights, and of sights around town and around Texas. There is also a continuous playing video on Dallas and her sights and attractions. There are also helpful employees to answer questions, provide directions, and make recommendations.
You won't have to go far to begin seeing the Dallas sites and attraction. "Old Red" is within two blocks of the JFK Memorial Plaza, The Sixth Floor Museum, Dealey Plaza, The Grassy Knoll, Reunion Tower, and the Historic West End entertainment district.
Old Red is said to be the fifth courthouse to occupy the site (the others have either burned or been outgrown) since Dallas' first courthouse was built in a small log cabin in 1846 by John Neely Bryan. Bryan donated the land for the courthouse.
The Old Red Courthouse is located in downtown Dallas at 100 South Houston Street across from Dallas' historic West End District. Their phone number is 214-571-1301. The "Dallas Visitor Information Center" on the ground floor is worth the stop alone...the neat old building it is in is an extra bonus. When you arrive downtown, make this your first stop.
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