This rather monumental building, with its giant order of rough-cut stone Doric columns across the facade, is notable for its physical scale. Founded in 1851, Gonzales College was the first institution of higher education in Texas to offer four-year degrees to women, making it of special importance to the history of education in the state. After the college closed in the 1880s, it was converted into a residence by attorney W. M. Atkinson.