The Porter house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 18, 1973.

The house was built in 1886 and rented between 1893 and 1895 by William Sidney Porter, better known as the author O. Henry.

[2] Though primarily associated with his home state of North Carolina, O. Henry set 42 of his stories in Texas.

The many period pieces on display include some of the Porter's furniture and personal belongings.

The structure underwent further restoration in 1994–95 with a renewed roof and the replacement of four brick chimneys lost in 1934.