Shoreacres in Morgan's Point in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Governor Ross Sterling Mansion
Layers of stone, concrete, air space, and plastered lath form the thick exterior walls. Deeply sunken foundations and huge beams running the length of the structure give it hurricane resistance.
With 21,000 square feet of floor space, this was known as the largest private residence in Texas at the time it was built. It has seven fireplaces, 15 baths, 34 rooms-- including a dining room seating 300 guests. Silver and gold inlaid sconces, fine carved woods, and Tiffany chandeliers form some of the adornments. There were elaborate facilities for recreation and for efficient housekeeping. Sterling and his wife Maude Abbie (Gage) had several children.
Ross Sterling was governor of Texas 1931-1933. In 1946 he donated his mansion to a civic club and it was used as a juvenile home until 1961.
Erected 1978 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10782.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.
Location. 29° 40.169′ N, 94° 59.751′ W. Marker is in Morgan's Point, Texas, in Harris County. It is in Shoreacres. Marker is on Bayridge Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: La Porte TX 77571, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bay Ridge / Morgan's Point (within shouting distance of this marker); Wade and Mamie Irvin House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gribble-Hofheinz House (approx. ¼ mile away); Morgan's Point Cemetery (approx. 0.7 miles away); Col. James Morgan (approx. 0.7 miles away); New Washington (approx. 0.7 miles away); John A. Grimes Memorial Park (approx. 0.7 miles away); Saint Mary's Seminary (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morgan's Point.
Regarding Governor Ross Sterling Mansion. This mansion is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places.
The picture of the mansion is the rear. The mansion faces Galveston Bay.
Also see . . . Governor Ross Sterling from The Handbook of Texas. (Submitted on January 7, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 2,107 times since then and 45 times this year. Last updated on January 9, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 7, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.