Port Arthur in Jefferson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Gates Memorial Library
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, January 16, 2026
1. Gates Memorial Library Marker
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John W. Gates (1855-1911), a noted financier and philanthropist, set aside land at this site for a public library. In 1917, through the efforts of his widow Dellora (1855-1918), this classical revival library was completed. It was designed by the New York firm of Warren & Westmore, Architects of several New York landmarks, including Grand Central Station. Deeded to the city of Port Arthur in 1918, the library is now part of Lamar University at Port Arthur.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Erected 1981 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10530.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 29° 52.733′ N, 93° 55.633′ W. Marker is in Port Arthur, Texas, in Jefferson County. It can be reached from Stillwell Boulevard near Procter Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 317 Stilwell Boulavard, 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: A different marker also named Gates Memorial Library (a few steps from this marker); Port Arthur College (a few steps from this marker); Ruby Ruth Fuller Building
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Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, May 22, 2020
2. Gates Memorial Library Marker
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, May 22, 2020
3. Gates Memorial Library Marker
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, January 20, 2023
4. Gates Memorial Library
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 396 times since then and 26 times this year. Last updated on July 11, 2022, by Joe Lotz of Flower Mound, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on January 20, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on May 26, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. 4. submitted on January 23, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
