Nichols-Rice-Cherry House, Houston

The Nichols-Rice-Cherry House, constructed circa 1850, is a distinguished example of Greek Revival architecture and a significant artifact of Houston's early history. Originally situated at the northwest corner of Congress Avenue and San Jacinto Street, directly across from the Harris County Courthouse, the house was built by merchant Ebeneezer B. Nichols. In 1856, Nichols sold the property to his business partner, William Marsh Rice, a prominent figure whose estate later founded Rice University. The house remained in the Rice family until 1863, after which it served various functions, including boarding and rental purposes.

In 1896, Houston artist and educator Emma Richardson Cherry acquired the house for $25, initially purchasing a decorative front door casing at auction. To her surprise, she became the sole bidder and thus the owner of the entire house. Cherry relocated the structure to 508 Fargo Street in the Montrose area, where she resided and operated an art studio until her death in 1954.

In 1959, the Nichols-Rice-Cherry House was moved to Sam Houston Park, becoming the first historic building to be relocated there. The Heritage Society of Houston restored the house to reflect its appearance during the Rice era, incorporating period furnishings and a representation of Cherry's art studio. Today, it is one of the most recognizable buildings in Sam Houston Park.