Pompeiian Villa
The last remaining landmark of the "dream city" planned by the founder of Port Arthur, railroad magnate Arthur E. Stilwell (1859-1928). The house was built in 1900 as the winter resort home of Isaac L. Ellwood (1833-1910), the developer of barbed wire. The same year financier John W. "Bet-A-Million" Gates (1855-1911) had a mansion built nearby. It was razed in 1960.
Ellwood sold the villa in 1901 to James Hopkins of St. Louis, who in 1903 sold it to George M. Craig (1862-1950), principal developer of Port Arthur, for 10 per cent of the Texas Company (present Texaco, Inc.). Craig lived here until his death.
Erected 1973 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10553.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 29° 52.954′ N, 93° 55.336′ W. Marker is in Port Arthur, Texas, in Jefferson County. Marker is on Lakeshore Drive south of Bledsoe Place, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1953 Lakeshore Drive, Port Arthur TX 77640, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ellwood - Craig House (within shouting distance of this marker); Clubhouse of the Federated Women’s Clubs of Port Arthur
Also see . . . Museum of Gulf Coast website. (Submitted on June 7, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2020. This page has been viewed 316 times since then and 74 times this year. Last updated on June 7, 2020. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 7, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.