Terrell-Reuss Streets Historic District

The Terrell-Reuss Streets Historic District is an area that traditionally has been home to many of Cuero's most prominent and financially successful citizens, and a large number of majestic residences in the district attests to these individuals' roles in the community. A.B. Davidson, who served three terms as lieutenant governor of the state, was one of the most significant citizens to reside in the district. Emil Reiffert, a principal partner in the regionally important firm of H. Runge & Co., resided in a dwelling that stands in the district. In addition, David C. Proctor, a prominent local attorney, J.T. Wofford, a rancher, and various members of the Hamilton family were among the other important townspeople to live in the neighborhood. Some of the city's finest examples of high-style, popular and vernacular architecture can be found within the confines of the district. Moreover, the commissions of several regionally important architects, including Jules Leffland, Atlee B. Ayres, Beverly Spillman, and A.O. Watson, have been built in the neighborhood. The INVENTORY OF PROPERTIES provides more detailed information on these and other individuals associated with residences in the district, as well as the architectural significance of these structures. A total of 96 properties are in the district with 69 categorized as contributing.

The district's significance is based primarily on its association with numerous local citizens who not only played a major role in the development of Cuero and nearby environs but also were important figures on a regional and state-wide level. This neighborhood includes, for example, the residences of a former lieutenant governor, past members of the U.S. House of Representatives as well as elected officials from both chambers of the Texas legislature, federal and district judges, and influential businessmen. No other neighborhood in the city, and perhaps even in any other in southeast Texas, can boast such an impressive collection of dwellings associated with important individuals within such a small and well-defined geographic area. Despite its age, the neighborhood has been well maintained over the years and has been a great source of pride among the citizens of Cuero.

The district is also being considered for National Register designation for its architectural merits. While most of the town's other neighborhoods retain a large percentage of historic (pre-1937) dwellings, none surpass this area in the concentration, quality, level of craftsmanship and integrity of houses. Remarkably few nonresidential, non-historic structures (regarded as intrusive or noncontributing elements) have been built within the district's confines. No single architectural style dominates its physical character; instead, the neighborhood features a diverse, yet cohesive collection of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century houses. For the most part, contributing properties are large, architecturally ambitious dwellings that were built for the town's elite. Many other houses, however, are more modest in scale and detailing, but are virtually unaltered and enhance the district's overall historic character. Thus they are considered contributing elements. The primary thoroughfares, which help to define the district, include Terrell, Reuss and Indianola streets, all of which are lined with uniformly sited houses and much live oak and pecan
trees.