Cartwright, Matthew, House
Why it's listed
Dominating a large lot at 505 Griffith Avenue in Terrell, this frame house was begun in 1883 for Matthew Cartwright, a rancher, cattleman, banker and landowner. Its central-hall, symmetrical plan carries a square Second Empire tower, mansard elements, large dormers with metal cresting and a two-story entry portico. In 1894 two-tiered galleries with fluted cypress Doric columns were added, attributed to architect Charles Alexander Gill, giving the house a Greek Revival flavor suited to the east Texas climate. Interior features include black walnut paneling, maple floors with walnut inlay, twelve-foot ceilings and eight fireplaces. Rear additions in 1922 and 1940 enlarged the house, while the front remains largely unaltered. The original iron fence survives. The property was recognized as the most prominent house in Terrell and as a representative of the ostentation of leading families building mansions after the Civil War. It has remained in the Cartwright family, with many furnishings intact.
Significance in brief: The nomination presents it as the most prominent house in Terrell and a distinctive example of symmetrical Victorian residential architecture blending Greek Revival, Italianate and Second Empire features. It reflects the wealth and ambition of a leading cattle and banking family after the Civil War. It has remained in the Cartwright family with many furnishings intact.
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 79002988, listed April 4, 1979. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 505 Griffith Ave., Terrell |
|---|---|
| County | Kaufman County |
| Listed | April 4, 1979 |
| Reference number | 79002988 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 |
| Architect / builder | Charles Alexander Gill - architect; M. H. Marshall - contractor (1883-4) |
| Architectural style | Transitional Greek Revival and Second Empire ("symmetrical Victorian"), with Italianate characteristics |
| Areas of significance | Commerce, Agriculture, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Stated to be in excellent condition and kept in good repair; used as a private residence and occupied. |
| Acreage | 2.2 |
| Coordinates | 32.74575, -96.28477 (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 79002988.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q65965675
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.