What used to be the Dallas county courthouse is now the Old Red Museum. It is located on land platted by John Neely Bryan. He permanently deeded the property to the county when Dallas won the designation of County Seat in 1850.
Old Red is the sixth building to stand on this land, but the fifth building housing the county seat. All of the previous buildings burnt down, save one that was intentionally torn down. The ones that burnt included two that were made of brick. Fires were a huge concern as people were surrounded by cooking fires, hearth fires, burning barrels for refuse, and oil lamps for light. Large, long skirts did not help matters when trying to work around so many open flames.
Old Red is going to be the topic of our next several posts – and it is the starting point of our tours. You should schedule a tour with us but you should also visit Old Red. Make sure to take one of their private tours that allows you access beyond the museum portions.
Image: OldRed.org
