Galveston in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

W. P. Ballinger Law Firm

Photographed by Keisha Heck, October 17, 2022

1. W. P. Ballinger Law Firm Marker

This marker is located in the Mills Shirley law firm office on the fourth floor of the Washington Hotel building located at 2228 Ships Mechanic Row, Galveston, Texas.

Inscription.

Oldest continuous law firm in Texas. Founded Nov. 13, 1846, by William Pitt Ballinger (1825-1888), who on that day received first law license issued by state of Texas, through first judicial district court. A veteran of the Mexican War, he later was a distinguished Texas statesman. Ballinger's first partners -- in Jones, Butler & Ballinger -- were John M. Jones and Jonas Butler. Ballinger relatives who have formed line of descendancy in the firm include a son, Thomas J. Ballinger, grandson Ballinger Mills, Sr., and great-grandson Ballinger Mills, Jr.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967

Erected 1967 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 63.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, Mexican-American. A significant historical date for this entry is November 13, 1846.

Location. 29° 18.387′ N, 94° 47.622′ W. Marker is in Galveston, Texas, in Galveston County. It can be reached from Mechanic Street west of Kempner Street, on the right when traveling west. This marker is currently inside the offices of the law firm and is not accessible on weekends. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2228 Mechanic Street, Galveston TX 77550, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Houston Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker

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: Washington Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Rice, Baulard & Company Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stewart Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Galveston Square (about 300 feet away); Samson Heidenheimer Building (about 300 feet away); The Tremont Houses (about 300 feet away); Juneteenth (about 300 feet away); Berlocher Row (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Galveston.

Other markers no longer nearby. Heidenheimer-Hunter Building (was about 300 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Trueheart-Adriance Building (was about 300 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Door to the previous offices of the W.P. Ballinger Law Firm image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jim Evans, December 14, 2019

2. Door to the previous offices of the W.P. Ballinger Law Firm

A nearby sign for the W.P. Ballinger Law Firm's descendants image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jim Evans, December 14, 2019

3. A nearby sign for the W.P. Ballinger Law Firm's descendants

Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2019, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 738 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 17, 2022, by Keisha Heck of Galveston, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on December 15, 2019, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.