Burton Commercial Historic District

Burton's commercial core in western Washington County, Texas, is a district of about 47 buildings spread over seven blocks of the town center. Most are small, simple frame structures, including false-front stores, garages and service stations, a lumberyard, shops, a railroad depot and a stretch of railroad right-of-way. Some are masonry or two stories, and a few residences are scattered among them. The district reflects Burton's role between 1870 and 1941 as a place where farmers from surrounding land came to trade, process cotton, ship goods by rail and use the services of artisans and professionals. Buildings such as the Knittel Store, the Steiner & Dallmeyer store with its annex, the Schwartz & Schwartz Store, the Burton Auto Company and the old state bank show how uses changed over time. Many buildings are now vacant, and some have been altered with synthetic siding or changed storefronts. The district was recognized for its architecture and for its link to the town's commerce and development.