Bay City in Matagorda County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Gaines Building

1912-1917

— Historic Landmark 1912 —

Gaines Building Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dave W, January 31, 2026

1. Gaines Building Marker

Inscription.
J.W. Gaines, Jr., Owner
First Lawyer in Bay City
Victor Letulle & Family, Owners
1921-1991
Mary Steves Hatchett, Owner
Heart and Home
1991-Present

Historic Use:
American Cafe 1920
White House Cafe 1927
Battens-The Smart Shop 1960-1977

Designated as a
Landmark Building
April 20, 1998

Erected 1998 by Landmark Commission Bay City.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.

Location. 28° 58.928′ N, 95° 58.212′ W. Marker is in Bay City, Texas, in Matagorda County. It is at the intersection of Avenue F (State Highway 60) and 6th Street, on the right when traveling south on Avenue F. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2138 Avenue F, Bay City TX 77414, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

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: Huston's Drug Store (a few steps from this marker); Bouldin Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Matagorda, C.S.A. (within shouting distance of this marker); Sugar Cane Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Ira Ingram (within shouting distance of this marker);

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Matagorda County Confederate Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Bay City Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Austin Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bay City.

Photographed by Dave W, January 31, 2026

2. Gaines Building Marker

Marker seen here just to the right of the entrance door.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 132 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 11, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.