Amarillo in Potter County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Houghton House

Photographed by Allen Lowrey, May 5, 2020

1. Houghton House Marker

An additional smaller marker notes that the building is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

Inscription. This two-story residence was constructed in 1914 for Kentucky native John Malcolm Shelton (1852-1923), a prominent Panhandle cattleman and businessman. Built by W.M. Rice, it was designed by Amarillo architect Joseph Champ Berry. Following Shelton's death, the house was inherited by his daughter Martha, the wife of rancher Ted Houghton. She resided here until 1965. Built of brick, the home features detailing of the Prairie style.

Erected 1980 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2579.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce.

Location. 35° 11.718′ N, 101° 50.382′ W. Marker is in Amarillo, Texas, in Potter County. It is on South Polk Street south of SW 17th Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1700 S Polk Street, Amarillo TX 79102, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Texas Panhandle.

It is also on the American Great Plains,

specifically on the Southern Plains,

and specifically on the High Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Dust Bowl,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Avery and Mary Turner House (within shouting distance of this marker); H. W. and Katie Galbraith House (within shouting distance of this marker); Herring-Crudgington House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shuford-Killough House

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(about 500 feet away); Landergin-Harrington House (about 700 feet away); Polk Street United Methodist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Eakle-Archer House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jons-Danner-Gilvin House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amarillo.

Photographed by Allen Lowrey, May 5, 2020

2. Houghton House Marker

The Houghton House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen Lowrey, May 5, 2020

3. The Houghton House

Credits. This page was last revised on August 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2020, by Allen Lowrey of Amarillo, Texas. This page has been viewed 537 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 6, 2020, by Allen Lowrey of Amarillo, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.