Designed by J. Riely Gordon and completed in 1897, the Ellis County Courthouse emulates the Romanesque Revival style popular during the latter half of the 19th century. Beginning Feb. 13, it will be the scene for the filming of the television series “1883: Bass Reeves.”
‘Yellowstone’ spinoff to film in Ellis County
ELLIS COUNTY – According to Ellis County Judge Todd Little’s office, residents can expect the historic courthouse in downtown Waxahachie to be transformed into a television set for a new TV series, “1883: Bass Reeves” in February.
Between Feb. 8 and 17, the courthouse will serve as a film set for King Street Productions/Paramount Pictures to film scenes for the television show.
However, Judge Little’s office assured that normal county business will be minimally affected.
Local sheriff’s deputies will be directing public traffic in the courthouse away from the film crew, and residents or members of the public will only be inconvenienced minimally.
According to a spokesperson for Little’s office, residents and members of the public are being asked not to enter the courthouse unless they have specific county business, “and then leave as soon as possible, rather than spectate and possibly interfere with filming.”
The actual filming is set to occur on Feb. 13 and 14, with the crew starting pre-production at the location on Feb. 8, making minor/temporary alterations to the downstairs courtroom for use as the film set.
After the 14th, the film crew will wrap up and reset the courthouse back to normal.
“I believe that this filming project represents a unique opportunity to showcase the rich heritage and architecture of downtown Waxahachie before an international audience,” Little wrote in a letter to the Waxahachie City Council approving the proposal for the filming to take place at the courthouse.
“When our local history is featured in a TV show with widespread appeal, our residents, visitors, and businesses alike will develop a renewed appreciation for this community and the timeless values it enshrines.”
The Rogers Hotel, also located in Waxahachie’s downtown area, is on the list as a second possible film location.
The television series “1883: Bass Reeves” is part of Texan Taylor Sheridan’s “Yellowstone” franchise.
Bass Reeves was the first black U.S. marshal in the Oklahoma Indian territory in the 1870’s and 1880’s.
He arrested more than 3,000 criminals and brought them before Judge Isaac Parker at Ft. Smith in Arkansas – the infamous “hanging judge” of the era.