Draughn-Moore House
Also known as: Ace of Clubs House; Henry Moore,Jr. House
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Why it's listed
Set on a wooded, walled quarter block two blocks from downtown Texarkana, this raised two-story brick house was built in 1883-84 for J. H. Draughn, an early settler, lumber and dry goods merchant, short-term mayor and bank president. Its plan is unusual: a two-story octagonal rotunda lit by a cupola, surrounded by three octagonal rooms and a rectangular wing. Locals call it the "Ace of Clubs" House because the layout resembles a club's leaves and stem. Exterior details are Italianate, including scored stucco imitating stone, bracketed eaves and pedimented window hoods. The Moore family, led by attorney Henry Moore, Sr., acquired it in 1894, and wings and a brick gallery were added in the 1920s. It was listed as the lone surviving 19th-century residence near downtown Texarkana and as one of the few octagonal-mode houses in Texas. The original architect is unknown.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the house has an unusual plan, an octagonal rotunda with three octagonal bays and a rectangular wing, which it calls one of the most unique Victorian designs in Texas. It is also described as the lone survivor of 19th-century residential architecture near downtown Texarkana. It is further tied to Draughn, an early mayor and bank president, and to the Moore family, who were prominent local attorneys and civic leaders.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 76002007, listed June 29, 1976. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 420 Pine St., Texarkana |
|---|---|
| County | Bowie County |
| Listed | June 29, 1976 |
| Reference number | 76002007 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 |
| Architect / builder | Unknown (architect); built for J. H. Draughn |
| Architectural style | Italianate with octagon mode elements |
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Listed as occupied and in good condition, used as a private residence. It was altered in the 1920s with rear wings and a new brick gallery. |
| Acreage | 0.5 |
| Coordinates | 33.42423, -94.04439 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 76002007.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q28837818
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.