In 1878 Henry D. Gruene (1850-1920) established a mercantile business at this site. To provide more space for the growing business, this building was erected in 1904, one year after the local Post Office name changed from Goodwin to Gruene. The mercantile served as the community's business and social center until 1938. The brick structure features corbeled cornices and reflects influences of both Classical Revival and Richardsonian Romanesque styles. [Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1987.] The building was entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

Founded in 1878 by Henry D. Gruene to serve the families working on his cotton farms, the original Gruene Mercantile served many purposes for the community. In addition to providing food, clothing, household goods and farm implements, the store was a stage stop and a post office. It was also used as a distribution point for H.D. Gruene's distillery, selling his Green River brand whiskey. The wooden building was moved to this site in 1904 when a new two-story red brick mercantile structure was erected on the original site across the street. [Texas Historical Commission 1989]

Founded in 1878 by Henry D. Gruene to serve the families working on his cotton farms, the original Gruene Mercantile served many purposes for the community. In addition to providing food, clothing, household goods and farm implements, the store was a stage stop and a post office. It was also used as a distribution point for H.D. Gruene's distillery, selling his Green River brand whiskey. The wooden building was moved to this site in 1904 when a new two-story red brick mercantile structure was erected on the original site across the street. [Texas Historical Commission 1989]