John M. and Lottie D. Moore House facts for kids
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John M. and Lottie D. Moore House
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Moore House in 2008
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 John M. and Lottie D. Moore House
Location in Texas
John M. and Lottie D. Moore House
Location in the United States
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| Location | 406 S. Fifth St., Richmond, Texas |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1883 |
| Architect | Thomas Culshaw, C.H. Page and Brothers |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 01000104 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 9, 2001 |
The John M. and Lottie D. Moore House is a special old home in Richmond, Texas. You can find it at 406 S. Fifth Street. Today, it is part of the Fort Bend Museum complex. This house was added to the National Register of Historic Places listings in Fort Bend County, Texas in 2001. It also became a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1962. This means it's a very important historical place!
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Meet the Moores: John and Lottie
The Moore House was built in 1883. This was the same year that John Matthew Moore and Lottie Dyer Moore got married. John was born in 1862 and passed away in 1940. Lottie was born in 1865 and passed away in 1924.
John Moore's Public Service
John Moore was a very active person in politics. He served in the Texas House of Representatives. This is where laws are made for the state of Texas. Later, he also served in the United States House of Representatives. This is part of the U.S. government that makes laws for the whole country.
Lottie Moore's Family History
Lottie's father, J. Foster Dyer, was a rich rancher. He lived in Fort Bend County. Sadly, he passed away a year before Lottie got married. Lottie's grandmother was Nancy Gray Spencer Barnett. She was one of the first colonists to come to Texas. She arrived with Stephen F. Austin in the early days.
In 1824, Stephen F. Austin gave land to Lottie's grandmother. This land was in Fort Bend County. Lottie later inherited some of this land. She also inherited cattle from her grandfather, Thomas Barnett.
The House's Design and Changes
The house was first designed in 1883 by Thomas Culshaw. It was a large, two-story Victorian mansion. It had four bedrooms and a cool center tower with a cupola. A cupola is a small dome-like structure on top of a roof.
Early Use and Remodel
The First Baptist Church of Richmond started in the Moore house. It was their first meeting place! In 1889, the church moved to its own building.
In 1905, the house got a big makeover. C.H. Page and Brothers from Austin designed the changes. They gave the house a new look called Classical Revival. This style often uses columns and grand entrances.
During this remodel, the house's heating system was updated. Seven coal-burning fireplaces were added. The front of the house got a new porch and columns. These are still there today. Inside, new hardwood floors were put in. Rooms were made bigger, and the front stairway was changed. The dining room also got a new look. A grape arbor and a gazebo were built outside too.
The Moore House Today
The Moore House stayed in the family for many years. It was passed down through different family members. In 1975, the last family member living there passed away.
After that, the house and its land were given to the Fort Bend History Association. This group used to be called the Fort Bend County Museum Association. Now, the house is part of the Fort Bend Museum complex. The association has worked to update the home. They make sure it meets all modern safety rules.
See also
