Stop 3 on my September road trip included a must see in Waco, county seat of McLennan County. Yesterday's post featured a mural concerning the McLennan family's settlement of this area of the state. I visited Waco on my first Texas courthouse road trip back in the summer of 2011 but the photo I took did not include the building's dome, which happened to be under renovation at the time. It was well worth the revisit! You can see that first photo HERE.
Constructed: 1901
Architect: J. Reily Gordon, the master courthouse architect (and my favorite!)
Materials: limestone, concrete and marble with a Texas red granite base
Architectural Style: Beaux Arts
Inspiration: St. Peter's Cathedral, Rome
The dome was completely restored but today it appears that the left arm of Themis, the Greek goddess of divine law and justice, seems to have been damaged and the scales of justice have disappeared. During the renovation the statute was restored, replacing the blade of the sword which had blown off in a previous storm. Wind storms in this area are known to cause many problems for the intricate details of these historical buildings. But I think you will agree with me that this is one of Texas' finest!
10 comments:
An impressive building. I like how you focus on the details up close on this particular one. Nice images!
sad about the damage again, but it is a grand place!
The new dome is spectacular! It's a pity the Greek goddess has been damaged, though.
yet another grand old lady of a courthouse. beautiful dome as is the one armed lady justice
This place is a work of art!
I do agree, that is one spectacular courthouse. As my sister said, a work of art.
Beautiful and a shame the wind does so much damage.
You keep very good records with great details, Kathy!
Yup, it definitely reminds me of Rome. Or Paris. Wonderful!
Beautiful!
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