National Register Listing

Lewis, Ella, Store and Rental Houses

3404--3406--3408 Courtland St., Houston, TX
The Ella Lewis General Store and Rental Houses are buildings near the center of Independence Heights. The properties are associated with the primary owner and businesswoman, Ella Lewis. Ms. Lewis is one of a number of independent business owners in the community during the period of significance. This is the only remaining complex consisting of both a general store/restaurant/dressmaking shop/residence and rental houses.

The Ella Lewis General Store and Rental Houses represents local business development in Independence Heights in the early part of the 20th century. Lewis opened the general store in about 1920 and operated it as a neighborhood grocery for most of the period of significance. The store offered a variety of grocery and confectionery items marketed to nearby residents. Lewis apparently lived in the 2-story building and is also listed as a dressmaker in the early 1920s. The building also housed Lewis' dressmaking shop and a small restaurant/café. This mix of small businesses appears common in the community and follows the pattern of black-owned businesses of the period.

Lewis also contracted for the construction of the adjacent rental houses in about 1920. Each house follows a basic shotgun form but is modified with bungalow features. Such houses were typical as rental houses and may actually be standard models available from local builders or lumber companies. Single ownership of rental buildings and an adjacent commercial enterprise is also documented in other African American neighborhoods of Houston.

This complex of buildings is a significant example of independent businesses operated by African Americans in Independence Heights. They are also representative of local commerce and ethnic heritage.
Local significance of the building:
Black; Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

ethnic heritage black commerce architecture houses residential buildings
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Harris County in Texas has a significant history that shaped its growth and importance. Established in 1837, the county was named after John Richardson Harris, founder of the first settlement, Harrisburg. Houston, the county seat, became a prominent commercial and shipping center due to its strategic location and railroads.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Harris County experienced rapid economic diversification and growth. The discovery of oil in the Spindletop field fueled Houston's emergence as an energy and petrochemical hub. Industries like cotton, lumber, shipping, and manufacturing thrived. NASA's Johnson Space Center further solidified the county's significance in space exploration and technology.

Harris County's demographic diversity is a defining aspect, attracting immigrants from various backgrounds. Houston became a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant culinary scene, dynamic arts community, and diverse festivals, reflecting its multicultural fabric.

Today, Harris County remains an influential economic and cultural center. Its strong economy spans energy, healthcare, technology, and international trade. The county houses renowned medical facilities and research institutions. Despite facing natural disasters, Harris County showcases resilience and implements measures to mitigate their impact.

With its rich history, economic vitality, multiculturalism, and ongoing growth, Harris County continues to shape Texas as a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and innovation.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Harris County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Atakapa.

  • 1822: Harrisburg, the county's first settlement, is founded by John Richardson Harris, a pioneer and one of the early Texas colonists.

  • 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas independence from Mexico, took place in present-day Harris County.

  • 1837: Harris County is officially established and named after John Richardson Harris.

  • 19th Century: Houston, the county seat and the largest city in Texas, experiences rapid growth due to its strategic location along Buffalo Bayou and the construction of railroads. The city becomes a major commercial and shipping hub, attracting industries such as cotton, lumber, and oil.

  • 20th Century: The discovery of oil in the nearby Spindletop field and the subsequent growth of the oil industry greatly contribute to Harris County's economic development. Houston becomes an energy and petrochemical center.

  • 1960s-1980s: The space industry plays a crucial role in Harris County's history with the establishment of NASA's Johnson Space Center, where mission control for the Apollo program is located.

  • Today: Harris County continues to be a thriving economic and cultural center. It is home to a diverse population, numerous industries, world-class medical facilities, and renowned cultural institutions.