Norton-Polk-Mathis House, 401 King William Street, San Antonio, Bexar County, TX

Significance: The Norton-Polk-Mathis House is significant in that it can be traced the evolution of nineteenth century Texas architecture, from the simple stone frontier building, through the typical Victorian gingerbread rear gallery, to the monumental Italian Renaissance Revival tower and porch. It occupies one of the oldest sites in the King William Historical District. In 1869 Russell C. Norton, San Antonio merchant and Mayflower descendant, acquired three lots fronting on King William Street and running to the San Antonio River. ... Acquired in 1967 by Walter Nold Mathis who has undertaken extensive restoration, returning the house to its pre-turn of the century condition.
Survey number: HABS TX-3225