Galveston in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
American National Insurance Company
Photographed By Jim Evans, May 23, 2012
1. American National Insurance Company Marker
Founded in 1905 by Galveston business pioneer W. L. Moody, Jr. (1865-1954), American National opened for business on third floor of the Moody Building at 22nd and Strand streets in Galveston. At that time the home office staff numbered ten. By 1912, when it began issuing dividends, the company was soundly established. Life insurance in force passed the billion dollar mark in 1943, and later climbed into the multi-billions. By 1971 the home office employed 1200 persons, and the company was licensed to operate in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and western Europe.
Founder W. L. Moody, Jr., remained at the helm of the company for half a century.
American National is the largest Texas-based life insurance company, and ranks among the leaders in the United States. It is the oldest in Galveston—famous as an insurance pioneering site.
The first home office built especially for the company was completed at 21st and Market streets in 1913. An additional building, at 21st and Mechanic streets, was completed in 1929. The company moved into the 20-story American National tower in
this page online
Erected 1972 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 9920.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 29° 18.422′ N, 94° 47.439′ W. Marker is in Galveston, Texas, in Galveston County. Marker is at the intersection of 20th Street and Mechanic Street, in the median on 20th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: One Moody Plaza, Galveston TX 77550, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Galveston Market House and City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); C. F. Marschner Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Hendley's Row (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hendley Row (about 400 feet away); The Hendley Building (about 500 feet away); 1894 Grand Opera House (about 600 feet away); Galveston Historical Foundation (about 600 feet away); Custom House, Post Office and United States Court House (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Galveston.
Also see . . . History of American National Insurance Company. Funding Universe entry (Submitted on May 24, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas.)
Photographed By Jim Evans, May 31, 2021
2. American National Insurance Company Marker
Photographed By Jim Evans, May 23, 2012
3. The American National Insurance Company Building
Photographed By Jim Evans
4. The American National Insurance Company Building
The marker is across the street from this building.
Photographed By Jim Evans, May 23, 2012
5. American National Insurance Company Marker in its previous location
Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 779 times since then and 56 times this year. Last updated on May 31, 2021, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on May 24, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 2. submitted on May 31, 2021, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 3. submitted on May 24, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 4. submitted on May 31, 2021, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 5. submitted on May 24, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
