With renovations completed in 2007, Dallas’ Old Red Courthouse is one of the top destinations on every visitor's list. Under Judge Lee Jackson, Dallas activists organized plans for renovations. Among other things, the grand hallway, grand staircase, clock tower and an original courtroom were fully restored.

The building is an historic artifact and its four-year renovation program removed the result of several modernization projects, which had masked Old Red’s grandiose halls and architecture.

Built in 1890, Old Red was the fifth courthouse in Dallas at its location in the historic West End. Overtime, the building was remodeled and redesigned to accommodate increased foot traffic. The need for practical functionality nearly erased its beautiful Romanesque architecture.

The building covers 70,580 square feet and is made of Arkansas Blue Granite and Pecos Red Sandstone. After over 10,000 hours of construction, the building has nearly reached its former glory and is certainly a magnificent sight to see. Its famous clock tower, removed in 1919, but newly restored, rivals the prominence of London's Big Ben.

No longer used for official purposes, the building was redesignated as the Museum of Dallas County History & Culture. The museum provides not only a tour of the building, but hands-on educational exhibits.

Interactive media galleries detail everything from Dallas' pre-historic past to the history of the frozen margarita. For those interested in this city on the Texas prairie and its profound history of Wild West meets modern commerce, the Old Red is the place to go.