In 1901 Alabama-born E. B. Black (1866-1945) brought his family to Hereford from Cleburne, Texas. He opened a furniture store and became a prosperous merchant and rancher. In 1909 Black hired contractor Emmett Vanderburgh to build this late Victorian house. The Blacks were active in church and cultural affairs and the residence was often the site of community gatherings. Members of the Black family occupied the home until 1977.