Gates Memorial Library
John Warne "Bet a Million" Gates (1855-1911), a native of Illinois, was instrumental in the early growth of Port Arthur. A prominent businessman and financier noted for his promotion of barbed wire, he became a leader in the development of the city founded by Arthur Stilwell, the president of the Kansas City Southern Railroad. Gates was initially attracted to the Port Arthur area by the local oil boom of the early 1900s. As an investor, he figured prominently in the development of the Texas Company, now Texaco.
Later a resident of New York, Gates maintained his business and philanthropic interests in Port Arthur with the help of his son Charles. Gate's contributions to the city include Port Arthur Business College, St. Mary's Hospital, and the Plaza Hotel.
In 1909 John Gates set aside land at this site for a public library, but initial plans for the project were discontinued after his death in 1911. Planning resumed five years later when it became apparent the public library in the nearby high school could not adequately serve the city. Through the efforts of Gate's widow Dellora (1855- 1918) and local residents, this library was completed in 1917. The following year it was dedicated and deeded to the city.
Erected 1981 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10529.)
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 29° 52.741′ N, 93° 55.625′ W. Marker is in Port Arthur, Texas, in Jefferson County. It is on Stilwell Boulevard east of Procter Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 317 Stilwell Boulevard, Port Arthur TX 77640, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Texas’ Golden Triangle. It is also in the American South, on the Gulf Coast, and in the Piney Woods. 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, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Port Arthur College (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Gates Memorial Library (a few steps from this marker); Ruby Ruth Fuller Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Port Arthur College Radio Tower (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Arthur Edward Stilwell (about 300 feet away); Lakeshore/Lions Park (about 400 feet away); Vuylsteke House (approx. Ό mile away); Federated Women's Clubs Of Port Arthur (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Arthur.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 438 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 3, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. 2. submitted on January 20, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas.
