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BUILDING & GROUNDS

The Historic 1908 Courthouse served as the Grayson County Courthouse until 1981 when a new courthouse was built.

In 1985, the old courthouse was purchased by Dan Baldwin, a local businessman and restoration began. In 1986, Mr. Baldwin donated the building to the People of Grayson County and a non-profit foundation was established to oversee the building.

Built in 1908 in the Town of Independence. Note the clock tower which was later removed to make the building look more symmetrical.
The First Grayson County Courthouse at Oldtown
The first Courthouse in Independence, the county seat of Grayson County, was built in 1850 and was occupied in March of 1851.

The 1908 Courthouse exemplifies Richardsonian-style architecture common to public buildings built between 1865 and 1915. The massive size, arched windows, square-sectioned openings, Byzantine decorations, Flemish gables, octagonal towers, hip roof, elaborate dentil work and stone and brick construction make this historic building unique in this area.

In 1975, when a decision was made to build a new courthouse, the Board of Supervisors offered the building for sale on a closed bid. In November, 1985, Dan D. Baldwin, a prominent Grayson businessman, purchased the building and began renovation. On July 4, 1986, Dan donated the 1908 Courthouse to the citizens of Grayson County.

The 1908 Courthouse Foundation oversees the day to day operations and maintenance of the building. A volunteer effort, the Foundation relies on donations for the upkeep of this unique structure. All donations are tax deductible and benefit the 1908 Courthouse.