Galveston in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Ashton Villa, 1859
Photographed by Jim Evans, June 9, 2012
1. Ashton Villa, 1859 Marker
Mediterranean style architecture. European materials. Confederate and Federal headquarters in Civil War.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967
Erected 1967 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 9924.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1967.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 29° 18.008′ N, 94° 47.574′ W. Marker was in Galveston, Texas, in Galveston County. It was at the intersection of Broadway (Avenue J) and 24th Street, on the right when traveling west on Broadway (Avenue J). Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Galveston TX 77550, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in the Houston Metropolitan Area. It was also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it was in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Al Edwards / Juneteenth Celebration (within shouting distance of this marker); The Eugenia & George Sealy Pavilion (within shouting distance of this marker); Texas First Bank (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); City of Galveston (about 300 feet away); Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry System (about 400 feet away); The Rosenberg Library (about 400 feet away); Texas Heroes Monument (about 500 feet away); J.F. Smith House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Galveston.
Other markers no longer nearby. Open Gates (was about 400 feet away but has been
this page online
Regarding Ashton Villa, 1859. Ashton Villa Mansion is an immense, 3 story, palace-like mansion, built by a wealthy hardware businessman, James Brown, who believed in showing his wealth.
Ashton Villa is often called the "most haunted building in America." The ghost of Bettie Brown (one of James Brown's daughters) has been seen standing in the Gold Room, standing at the top of the staircase, and heard playing the piano as at one of her famous music recitals. People on tours have reported a presence joining them on the tour. A chest of drawers purchased in the Middle East stands in Bettie Brown's dayroom. It reportedly locks and unlocks spontaneously even though the key has been missing for years. Ceiling fans turn themselves on. One bed refuses to stay made. No matter how many times a day the sheets are straightened, they end up rumpled. The top of the staircase where Bettie's ghost has been seen leads to the dayroom where Bettie could go without wearing her stays.
Bettie Brown isn't the only ghost to haunt Ashton Villa. During
Photographed by Jim Evans, June 9, 2012
2. Ashton Villa and Marker
The marker can partially be seen to the right of the main entrance to Ashton Villa.
Also see . . .
1. Article in the Handbook of Texas. (Submitted on June 9, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas.)
2. Article in Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 9, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas.)
Photographed by Jim Evans, June 9, 2012
3. Ashton Villa - A Galveston Landmark
Photographed by Jim Evans, June 9, 2012
4. Galveston Island Visitors Center
Housed in Ashton Villa, with entrance in the rear, is the Galveston Island Visitors Center
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, January 21, 2024
5. Marker missing; medallion remains
Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,466 times since then and 38 times this year. Last updated on January 23, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 9, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 4. submitted on June 10, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 5. submitted on January 23, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
