Moran-Moore House
Also known as: Site No. 845
Why it's listed
This 1-1/2 story frame bungalow at 501 North Walnut in Wharton, Texas, dates to about 1915. It faces east and has weatherboard siding, a cross-gabled asphalt shingle roof, and a front porch carried on box columns set on brick piers, with a balustrade of square balusters. Deep eaves are marked by five knee brackets, and the gable ends carry imbricated wood shingles. Windows are 9/1 double-hung sash, set singly, in pairs or in threes. Deed records show H.R. and Mattie Moran bought the lot in 1914 for $600, and A.P. Rollins paid $3000 in 1919, suggesting the house was built between those years. Mrs. Willie P. Moore acquired it in 1924. The bungalow was the dominant style for Wharton's growing middle class, and many local examples have been altered. This one keeps a high degree of integrity, which is why it was listed for its architecture. Later changes include a north bay window and a rear carport.
Significance in brief: The nomination presents the house as an excellent example of bungalow architecture in Wharton. Its cross-gabled roof, porch with box columns on brick piers, 9/1 windows, knee brackets and wood shingle gable detailing are characteristic of the style. It retains a high degree of integrity and is tied to the context of community development in Wharton, 1875-1942.
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 93000120, listed March 18, 1993. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 501 N. Walnut, Wharton |
|---|---|
| County | Wharton County |
| Listed | March 18, 1993 |
| Reference number | 93000120 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | ca. 1915 |
| Architect / builder | Unknown |
| Architectural style | Late 19th and Early 20th Century American Movements: Bungalow |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Still used as a single dwelling; the rear has a carport and wood-frame building added, and the north side has a bay window addition. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 29.31475, -96.09395 (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 93000120.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q110002523
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.