This residence was constructed in the 1890s by H. L. Scales, owner of a local gin and cottonseed oil mill. In 1911 it was purchased by John Thompson, president of the Corsicana National Bank. It became the home of banker and landowner Joe B. Fortson in the 1920s and remained in his family until 1976. The galleried house features Victorian and Classical Revival detailing and interior woodwork of walnut, maple, and redwood. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1980