An original painted ceiling tile from the historic DeWitt County Courthouse, built in 1896, has been loaned to the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. The DeWitt County Commissioners Court approved a 10-month loan agreement in late April, with the tile on display from May 1 through January 31, 2027. The tile, valued at $3,000, was discovered hidden in the courthouse attic before its 2007 restoration and is now featured in the museum's Texas Art Gallery as part of an exhibit celebrating Texas courthouse architecture.
This loan highlights the growing recognition of historic courthouse architecture as a form of public art worthy of museum display. By showcasing an original architectural fragment from a Romanesque Revival building designed by Arthur O. Watson, the exhibit connects local heritage to a statewide narrative, emphasizing preservation efforts and the cultural significance of Texas's civic landmarks.