Historic Gillespie County Courthouse

see Gillespie County Courthouse

see Historic Gillespie County  Jail

Built in 1881-1882, this Renaissance Revival building now serves as the Pioneer Library, the public library for Fredricksburg.  The architect was Alfred Giles, one of the most well-known public builders of his time.  the building is constructed of sturdy limestone quarried nearby in the hill country.  The porches have nice wrought iron work on the upper porches.  When you go inside, it is difficult to see this as a courthouse.  In order to serve as the library, most walls were knocked down.  But you can see old benches and the nice looking double stairways with impressive wood newels at the end of each set of stairs.  The old door knobs remain as well.

This lovely jewel of the 1880’s is more reminiscent of a large German Farmhouse from that time period.  More than anything, to me, it invokes the word homey.  Nice looking – well taken care of.

 

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