Norton-Orgain House
Salado, Bell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built about 1872 by Edward R.A. Buckles, this I-plan vernacular house exhibits Classical and Victorian detailing. Its two-story gallery features Doric columns on the ground level, which contrast with the Victorian turned wood columns and balusters located above. Residing here only a short time, Edward Buckles sold the house in 1873 to Colonel Nimrod Lindsay Norton (d. 1903) and his wife Mary (Hall). Colonel Norton, a Confederate veteran, was active in agricultural activities during his residence in Salado and was a charter member of the local grange. He was also a member of the Capitol Building Commission, and donated granite for the Capitol exterior from a quarry he co-owned in Burnet County. In 1882, Colonel Norton sold the property to John and Kate (Galvin) Orgain, prominent educators in Salado for many years. John served as County School Superintendant; Kate taught at Salado College and Thomas Arnold High School and was a published author. The Orgains resided here until 1907. Used primarily as a residence by subsequent property owners, the house has also been used as a boardinghouse and inn. It remains a prominent local landmark. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1991
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built about 1872 by Edward R.A. Buckles, this two-story Salado house pairs Doric columns below with Victorian turned woodwork above. Confederate veteran Colonel Nimrod Lindsay Norton bought it in 1873; a member of the Capitol Building Commission, he donated Burnet County granite for the state capitol's exterior. In 1882 it passed to educators John and Kate Orgain, who taught at Salado College and area schools and left their own mark on the town.
Why it matters
The home links a Confederate veteran who helped build the Texas Capitol to a family of pioneering educators, weaving together several threads of the state's post-war civic and cultural life.
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Related people
- · Nimrod Lindsay Norton
- · John Orgain
- · Kate Orgain
- · Edward R.A. Buckles
Themes & tags
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