Beaumont in Jefferson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Holmes Duke House
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, April 28, 2021
1. Holmes Duke House Marker
A native of Carthage, Texas, Holmes Duke came to Beaumont in the late 19th century and purchased property at this site in 1898. Construction on his home began shortly thereafter. Completed in 1899, the Holmes Duke house features influences of the Queen Anne and colonial revival styles of architecture. Prominent features include the two semi-circular bays on either side of the front door and the projecting gable over the entry that is decorated with sunburst motifs. Columns are set in groups at each corner of the porch, while the side gables feature fish-scale shingling.
Holmes Duke was a pioneer resident of Beaumont and for many years was active in the city's political, civic, and business affairs. In 1901, he built the Duke Hotel on Liberty Avenue and managed it until 1910. Duke served as an alderman on the Beaumont City Council from 1905 until 1908 and later held office as the city health inspector. Duke also was known as an inventor and operated several restaurants in the area.
Holmes Duke lived here until his death in 1946. The structure remained in his family, however, until 1980. It is one of the few structures remaining in Beaumont that predates the 1901 Spindletop oil boom.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1986
Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 30° 5.272′ N, 94° 6.342′ W. Marker is in Beaumont, Texas, in Jefferson County. Marker is on Forrest Street near North Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 694 Forrest Street, Beaumont TX 77701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Woman's Club of Beaumont (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Clubhouse The Woman's Club of Beaumont (about 600 feet away); Young Men's Christian Association Of Beaumont (approx. 0.2 miles away); Congregation Temple Emanuel (approx. 0.2 miles away); First United Methodist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Young Women's Christian Association of Beaumont (approx. 0.3 miles away); Westminster Presbyterian Church Of Beaumont (approx. 0.4 miles away); Enterprise-Journal (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beaumont.
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, April 28, 2021
2. Holmes Duke House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 326 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 7, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
