A Grand Piece of Nacogdoches History: 310 N Mound Street

A Grand Piece of Nacogdoches History: 310 N Mound Street

Nestled in the heart of Nacogdoches — famously known as “The Oldest Town in Texas” — stands a striking Victorian mansion: 310 N. Mound Street, also known as the Stephen W. Blount House. Built in 1897, this home is more than just a residence — it’s a tangible piece of the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.

🏛️ Architectural Significance & Design

• The home was designed by Diedrich A. W. Rulfs, a German-American architect who left a profound mark on Nacogdoches. Wikipedia+1

• Its style is distinctly Victorian, but rather than follow a “stock” pattern, Rulfs crafted it to match the personal tastes of Judge Stephen W. Blount, its original owner. SAH ARCHIPEDIA+1

• Architecturally, it features:

  • A 2½-story wood frame structure on a brick foundation. SFA

  • An L-shaped layout with intersecting hip-and-gable roofs, adorned with decorative bargeboards. SFA

  • Wraparound porches on two levels, with turned wood posts, arched openings, and spindlework—classic Victorian ornamentation. SFA

  • Intricate windows: 1-over-1 double-hung wood windows, plus Palladian-style windows in the projecting bay. SFA

  • A gabled dormer with a fan-shaped window, adding to the home’s character and charm. SFA

📜 Historical Context

• The house was commissioned by Judge Stephen W. Blount, who personally selected the timber for its construction — which was then milled locally. SFA

• The gingerbread detailing, those ornate wood trims and spindles, came from William Henry Rulfs, the architect’s brother, who recently immigrated from Germany. SFA

• Over time, the building adapted: in the 1930s, it became the Cason Monk Funeral Home, and a chapel was added in the 1950s. SFA

• The property was surveyed as part of Nacogdoches’s Washington Square Historic District, highlighting its architectural and cultural importance. SFA

🏡 Current Property & Use

• The house is 6,417 sq ft, with 5 bedrooms and 4 baths, per recent real estate listings. Homes.com+1

• It sits on 1.87 acres, which is quite large given its proximity to downtown. Woodlands New Homes

• There is a modern 2-bedroom, 2-bath carriage house on the property (built in 2020), with a lift, full kitchen, and sunroom — offering flexibility as a guest house, rental, or additional residence. LoopNet

• Also on-site: a 6,000+ sq ft metal workshop with eight garage doors, a storage shed, and even a treehouse. LoopNet

• The zoning is commercial/residential, meaning the property could be used in many ways: as a home, a bed & breakfast, event venue, retail, restaurant, or mixed-use space. Woodlands New Homes+1

• Parking is generous: it accommodates around 30+ vehicles, which is rare for a historic, downtown property. LoopNet

• The house was listed for $839,000 in 2025. LoopNet+2Zillow+2

🌍 Why It Matters

• This isn’t just a pretty old house — it’s a legacy property. Designed by one of Nacogdoches’ most significant architects, it embodies a moment in the city’s development when elite citizens built grand homes around Washington Square. Atlas+1

• Its preservation reflects a broader appreciation in Nacogdoches for historic architecture, particularly from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

• The mix of old and new (historic house + carriage house + workshop) shows how historic properties can be practical in the modern era, not just museum pieces.

🛍️ The Fortney House: A Creative Reuse

• Today, The Fortney House occupies this address — it’s a wildly creative retail / salvage space. thefortneyhouse.com+1

• Inside, each room has a theme: man cave, travel, Asian ocean, safari, wild west, game room — it’s not your typical antique shop. MapQuest

• The house has become a destination for both tourists and locals: even its exterior and surroundings are part of the draw. MapQuest

🌆 In the Heart of Nacogdoches

• The house is located in a very historic neighborhood, near downtown and Stephen F. Austin State University. Woodlands New Homes

• Its location on Mound Street is symbolic, too: North Mound Street has some of the most architecturally significant homes in the area, built for prominent local figures. Atlas

• From its porches, it’s just a short walk to other local landmarks, making it part of the living tapestry of Nacogdoches’s heritage.

🧭 Map & Location

Here’s a description of where 310 N. Mound Street sits:

• It’s in Nacogdoches, Texas, zip code 75961.

• Geographically, it’s in the Washington Square Historic District, a neighborhood of historic homes close to downtown. SFA

• On mapping services like MapQuest, you can see the house at 310 N Mound. MapQuest

• Nearby landmarks include Stephen F. Austin State University (just a few blocks away) and downtown Nacogdoches.

✍️ Final Thoughts

310 N Mound Street is more than just real estate — it’s a story. It captures the elegance of a bygone era (Victorian design, hand-picked wood, detailed craftsmanship) and merges it with modern utility (carriage house, workshop, mixed-use zoning). It’s also a living piece of Nacogdoches culture, now reimagined through The Fortney House, where history meets creativity.

Whether you’re a history buff, architecture lover, or someone who appreciates a truly unique property, 310 N Mound is a gem — a reminder that some houses have personalities, stories, and a life far beyond their original blueprints.

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