Center, city in and county seat of Shelby County, Texas, United States
Center is the county seat of Shelby County, Texas, located near the Louisiana border. The city features a town square with historic buildings, including a castle-like courthouse built in the 1880s that serves as the hub for local government and administration.
Center began as a settlement called White Cottage in the mid-1800s with a post office starting in 1848, then became the county seat in 1866 and was renamed for its central location. The original wooden courthouse burned in 1882 and was replaced by a new brick structure with towers completed in 1885, which still stands today.
Center took its name from its central location within Shelby County and remains a gathering place for the community. Local traditions come alive during the annual Poultry Festival in October, where schools hold pageants and residents celebrate the farming heritage that shaped the region's economy.
Center is surrounded by open land and forests, so it is best explored during daylight hours when conditions are clear. The city is small and walkable, with main attractions concentrated near the central town square.
The courthouse was designed by J. J. E. Gibson and nicknamed the Irish Castle for its tower-like appearance and distinctive architecture. The structure attracted visitors who came to see it as a regional landmark and admire its striking design.
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