Clark, Robert, House
Why it's listed
Built around 1875-1876 at 317 N. Main in Victoria, Texas, this two-story wood-frame house was constructed for Robert Clark, a prominent rancher. It is described as the best surviving example of Greek Revival architecture in the city. The five-bay symmetrical east elevation centers on a prominent two-story gabled portico with paired square columns with molded caps. The main entrance has a transom and sidelights, and the windows are wood sash with six-over-six lights, operable shutters and pedimented moldings. A rear ell connects to an addition, forming a U-plan, and a wing on the south shows how mid-to-late nineteenth-century households functioned. Interior moldings and finishes remain largely intact. The house stands in a mixed residential and commercial area north of the central business district and is still used as a residence. It was recognized for its architecture and for its connection with Clark, a leading figure in the local cattle industry.
Significance in brief: The form describes it as the best surviving example of Greek Revival architecture in the city, with an impressive portico, entry and center passage that reinforce period symmetry. It is also associated with Robert Clark, a prominent rancher. The reviewer recommended acceptance under criteria B and C.
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 86002615, listed December 9, 1986. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 317 N. Main, Victoria |
|---|---|
| County | Victoria County |
| Listed | December 9, 1986 |
| Reference number | 86002615 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Commerce, Architecture |
| Level of significance | State, Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Present condition is listed as good; the house remains in residential use, with interior moldings and finishes described as amazingly intact. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 28.80166, -97.00535 (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 86002615.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q107318335
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.