Decatur, Texas

Decatur, a vibrant city located in Wise County, Texas, offers a compelling blend of history, architectural splendor, and community spirit. From its 19th-century origins to its dynamic present, Decatur continues to thrive while preserving its cultural heritage and welcoming visitors with open arms—and sometimes, with dice.

Origins and Naming of Decatur

Founded in 1857, the city was initially called Taylorsville, honoring President Zachary Taylor. However, in 1858, it was renamed Decatur after Stephen Decatur, a prominent naval hero of the early United States. This renaming reflected a broader trend in honoring national figures and aligning the town’s identity with patriotic pride.

The Wise County Courthouse: A Texas Masterpiece

One of the crown jewels of Decatur is the Wise County Courthouse, completed in 1896 and designed by renowned architect James Riely Gordon. This Richardsonian Romanesque structure is celebrated for its intricate terra cotta details and Texas red granite exterior. The courthouse stands as a testament to 19th-century architectural ingenuity, with corner entrances and a central atrium designed to maximize air circulation, a necessity in Texas’s warm climate. It remains one of the most beautiful courthouses in the state, drawing visitors and architecture enthusiasts alike.

The Civil War Era: A Divided Community

The Civil War brought division to its early settlers, reflecting the broader tensions of the time. The population was split between Unionist and Confederate sympathies, creating a challenging period of internal conflict. Despite these hardships, the community eventually unified, paving the way for post-war growth and development.

Traditions and Community Events

The town is home to one of Texas’s oldest traditions: the Wise County Old Settlers Reunion. First held in 1881, this annual event brings the community together during the last full week of July. Featuring parades, carnival rides, and live entertainment, the reunion celebrates the area’s heritage and fosters a sense of connection among residents and visitors.

The Waggoner Mansion: El Castile

A distinctive landmark in Decatur is the Waggoner Mansion, affectionately known as “El Castile.” Built in 1883 by Daniel Waggoner, this grand Victorian-style home is both eerie and captivating, with its ornate design and mysterious air. Although it has fallen into neglect, its haunting beauty and potential for restoration make it a favorite topic among locals and historians. El Castile stands as a poignant reminder of the opulence and ambition of a bygone era.

The Texas Tourist Camp Complex: A Roadside Time Capsule

Just off the highway, the Texas Tourist Camp Complex offers a rare glimpse into the golden age of automobile tourism. Established in 1927 by local entrepreneur E.F. Boydston, the site began as a humble feed lot turned gas station and camping ground. By 1931, Boydston added wooden cabins with garages, later faced with stone for a rustic charm. The gas station itself was famously clad in petrified wood in 1935, becoming a roadside icon.

The adjacent Texas Lunchroom—later renamed the Texas Café—was a popular hangout for students and travelers alike. Though traffic waned after a highway bypass in the 1960s, the café reopened in 1993, preserving its legacy. Today, the complex stands as one of the few intact examples of mid-20th-century tourist camps in Texas, echoing the spirit of early road travel and entrepreneurial grit.

Eighter from Decatur: A Phrase That Rolled Across America

Decatur’s most famous slang export is “Eighter from Decatur”—a craps shooter’s lucky call when hoping to roll an eight. The phrase gained national traction in the early 1900s, possibly originating from a cook named Will Cooper during a train ride to a Civil War reenactment. Whether he was invoking a sweetheart named Ada or simply rhyming with Decatur, the phrase stuck and spread far beyond Texas.

Today, you’ll find dice-themed murals, sculptures, and signage throughout town, celebrating this quirky piece of gambling folklore. It’s a playful nod to Decatur’s cultural footprint—and a great photo op for visitors chasing roadside Americana.

Points of Interest

In addition to the courthouse and El Castile, Decatur offers several attractions:

• Downtown Square: This bustling area features local shops, restaurants, and historic architecture.
• Wise County Heritage Museum: While the original museum building was tragically lost to fire in 2023, the community remains dedicated to preserving and sharing the area’s history.
• Local Parks and Trails: Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the scenic beauty of Wise County through its parks and hiking paths.

Interesting Facts

• The city was once part of the Butterfield Overland Mail route, a significant mail and passenger service in the mid-19th century.

• Decatur Baptist College, established in 1898, was the first two-year college in Texas. Although it relocated to Dallas in 1965, its impact on the community remains a point of pride.

Whether you’re drawn by architectural grandeur, roadside nostalgia, or the chance to roll an “eighter” of your own, Decatur offers a rich, layered experience. It’s a town where mansions whisper, courthouses command, and even the dice tell stories.