Forgetting it was the weekend, I kept wondering why the courthouse was closed. Anyway, there were…read moreplenty of historical plaques, markers, and other signs to read and enjoy. After walking around the courthouse taking pictures and enjoying the sites and sounds, I soaked in the neighboring stores along the square/plaza. Tons of stuff to enjoy and occupy my time. Don't miss out on what Cleburne has to offer.

Johnson County is named for Middleton T. Johnson (1810-1866), native of South Carolina for 7 terms…read morean Alabama legislator, and a leading Texan after 1840. He served in the 9th Texas Legislature, Texas Rangers, Mexican War, and Civil War. The county was created and organized 1854, from land earlier in counties of Ellis, Hill and Navarro. I spent a week in Cleburne, which the county seat of Johnson County and visited downtown a couple of times. The courthouse here is visible from a good few miles away and this historical marker is located outside the courthouse, which is where I saw it and photographed it. This marker stands in front of the impressive and historic courthouse in downtown Cleburne. It reads, "Organized in 1854, Johnson County located its seat of government in Wardville and Buchanan before moving in 1867 to Camp Henderson, which later became Cleburne. The Buchanan Courthouse was moved to the new county seat and used until 1869, when the county constructed a new two-story brick building. By 1880, that facility had become too small, and three years later a magnificent second empire courthouse, designed by W.C. Dodson, took its place." "Fire destroyed Dodson's 1883 building on April 15, 1912, and the commissioners court chose German-born Otto Lane (1864-1947) and Welshman Frank Witchell (1879-1958) to design their new house of justice. While many firms of the time were designing Beaux Arts or Late Victorian structures, Land and Witchell were fond of the increasingly popular Prairie School style as inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan. Johnson County courthouse drawings are attributed to architect Charles E. Barglebraugh, the project architect for Lang and Witchell who trained under Wright." "Completed in 1913, the courthouse is very similar to Land and Witchell's Cooke County courthouse in Gainesville, Texas. Designed on a basic Beaux Arts plan but modernized with Prairie style elements and Sullivanesque details, the Johnson County courthouse features a prominent clock tower and an impressive six-story interior atrium topped by a stained art glass dome." "At the dawn of the 21st Century, the Johnson County courthouse remains in service as the center of county government." The outside of the building is lovely and I was told by Jim (in the Published Page Bookshop across the street https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-published-page-bookshop-cleburne?hrid=dKj6y-Vzj7e_3CwS0OUZ7Awhich you absolutely need to go visit) that the inside is amazing. But it was securely locked up at 6pm when I was here. YELP: I'VE BEEN HERE. I'VE SEEN THIS MARKER. I HAVE A PERSONAL CONSUMER EXPERIENCE. [Review 16047 overall - 233 in Texas - 1552 of 2021.]

Each time I have come here to do business I am always assisted by polite, professional, helpful…read morefolks. Keep up the good work. I have been there for vehicle registrations, toll tags, property taxes and just to get information.

Another shockingly pleasant experience at the passport office here! Isaac was fantastic! He was so…read morekind and helpful, and very patient and sweet with our two toddlers. We will absolutely come back to this location for any help we need with passports in the future based on how terrific Isaac was.

I was pleasantly surprised at the organized, efficient, competent & courteous service in 2 separate…read moretransactions.

Professional and courteous customer service. Very modern and updated with all the fancy technology…read moreto get the job done.

These guys/gals were tremendous! Competent, intelligent and…read morevery helpful. Lightning fast but throughly done. The gave me an inspection for the registration of the car too. Excellent and I'll be back when it time to change it again.

Excellent service and highly professional. I've never been to a DMV like this, it's efficient and…read morenice! Recommend you check out the website prior to making an appointment or walking in for any forms and information you may need to bring with you. If there's a charge associated with your need, recommend bringing cash or check as they partner with Chase Bank, and all credit debit transactions are charged a 2% fee. Kudos to the staff members that make this DMV run smoothly.

Gorgeous courthouse and view in the evening. Beautifully lit and immaculately clean grounds…read more Parking available across the street or in a small lot next to the courthouse. Did not enter it as we came in the evening but it was a stunning sight! There's also a dinosaur print you can admire in the square.

I absolutely love county courthouses. The history is usually phenomenal, and this courthouse was…read moreno different. What I really enjoyed were the metal plaques lining the sidewalk. They celebrated people who made an impact in Somervell County history. Of course I would have enjoyed reading all the names, but there were too many to do so. There were also two monuments in memory of local and world history. In addition, be sure to grab some refreshment and lounge in the wonderful gazebo on premise. I could have very easily made a day of it with the courthouse and surrounding square.

The featured attraction in downtown Waxahachie. Quite the accomplishment when built in 19th…read morecentury. In town on Sat so place was closed but be sure to walk around up close to see the faces carved into walls. See photos.

Re: ELLIS County Red Oak Police Department…read more Yesterday, I called the non-emergency hotline to report what I believed was an abandoned car that had been parked in front of my house for three days. An officer came out and informed me that the vehicle belonged to a neighbor. He also stated that they didn't have to move it because it was parked the required distance from the road. When I asked whose car it was, he said he couldn't share that information--which I understand. I had assumed the car was abandoned because it was blocking my driveway and no one had returned to move it in 3 days. While I realize the road is public property, I felt the officer could have at least encouraged the neighbor to be more considerate and move their car as a courtesy. Our road is narrow, and it's difficult to get out of my driveway when cars are parked that way. Since the officer made it clear they didn't have to move the car, I decided to speak with the neighbor myself since this is not acceptable. Fortunately, we were able to resolve the issue directly to have the car moved. Situations like this are exactly why people end up taking matters into their own hands. The interaction with me and my neighbor could have resulted in a situation that could have become volatile. However, this experience left me feeling that calling the police was useless and unhelpful--I don't plan on calling them again. It seems they have quite a few racist complaints but you have to dig for them because they do not allow complaints on google or etc.

Wow! What an honor and privilege to be able to walk in here. This ancient courthouse made me feel…read moreso special because of the architecture. The landscaping is well taken care of but inside does not smell so fresh. The steps are steep and intimidating. I don't like heights. The Security Officers were very nice and helpful. The Gentleman explained to be where I needed to go. He was also friendly when I asked him questions. There's a small Museum to the left. It was pretty busy. I saw a kid doing a book report for class, along with a few other visitors. I ran into a Police Officer and he told me where to go too. The ladies in the office went the extra mile to help. Parking was near by. You just scan and pay. I saw two Brides getting their Bridal Portraits. It was such a nice moment. The fourth floor has a colorful Rotunda that many people enjoy seeing. This is definitely a unique Courthouse with lots of pictures inside. I would definitely recommend this courthouse.

I've had to come down a few times to help a friend with some important business, and each visit has…read morebeen smooth. The guards at the entrance are always friendly and quick to get us through. Staff on the 3rd floor are also very helpful and informative. Parking is easy to find on Belknap Street--just a few blocks away. Bring coins for the meters!

Compared to other states/counties, these guys know how to do this. Some states (looking at you…read moreMissouri and NC) it's a mess. This was fairly painless getting my Texas license plates. Clerks were pleasant and helpful. Pro tip: check your address on the paperwork to make sure they got your address right. My bad for not checking while I was standing there. But the next day no problem getting it fixed.

On a BUSY day here you'll take 30 minutes max. Very organized you're usually in and out before you…read morerealize it