Smith House
Also known as: Smith-Storey House
Why it's listed
Built in 1897 at 322 Scott Street in San Marcos, this one-and-a-half-story frame house is a varied example of Victorian residential design. Its most striking feature is a dormer set at a 45-degree angle to the main axis, and a metal hipped roof with many cross gables and dormers. A one-story porch with paired lathed posts curves between two ells, and the gables carry spindle bargeboards, fishscale shingles and other trim. Inside, crowned bullseye moldings, an oak and tile mirrored mantel, wainscoting and an etched-glass front door show careful craftsmanship. Byron Wynne Smith, a noted cabinet maker, built the house with his wife Carrie Kone Smith, on land in the McGehee Addition. Some of his work remains, including a built-in diagonal china cabinet in the kitchen. Carrie Smith lived there until her death in 1940, then left it to her daughter, Rebecca Storey. Alterations include a relocated stair and a greenhouse addition.
Significance in brief: The house is argued to be an interesting example of the many forms used in Victorian residences, with an unusual floor plan that carries through to the exterior. Its finely crafted exterior trim is matched by interior woodwork typical of the period, some of it by the builder, a noted cabinet maker.
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 83004511, listed August 26, 1983. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 322 Scott St., San Marcos |
|---|---|
| County | Hays County |
| Listed | August 26, 1983 |
| Reference number | 83004511 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 |
| Architect / builder | B.W. Smith, builder |
| Architectural style | Victorian residence |
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Listed as unoccupied in the classification section, with present use given as private residence; condition good, altered, original site. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 29.88146, -97.94961 (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 83004511.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q110000477
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.