Jean Lafitte's pirate ships (1815-1821) and Republic of Texas Navy (1836-1840s) once sailed here. Galveston Wharves & Cotton Press Company, chartered 1854, built early dock. Confederate marine assaults at sites in vicinity freed the isle city of . . . — — Map (db m190765) HM
Charles Hodgeson Pix was a member of a Texas pioneer family that came to Galveston from England in 1838. He was one of the early English merchants in Galveston who were importers of English goods direct from London. He began business at #6 Strand . . . — — Map (db m118999) HM
This Greek Revival cottage was built in the 1860s by W. G. Boepple on land he bought from Valentine Poole, a local cattle dealer who again became the owner in 1872. In 1886 the home was sold to the estate of "Galveston News" editor Willard B. . . . — — Map (db m143551) HM
The festive arches gracing Galveston's historic Strand District are part of an imaginative civic design project undertaken in 1985 and based on temporary decorative arches constructed in 1881, when the City of Galveston hosted Saengerfest, a . . . — — Map (db m118989) HM
In 1873, Edward Sylvester paid W.C. Crookshank to build a side-gabled cottage with galleries that ran the length of the north and south sides of the house. Originally, there was a small building at the back of the lot most likely used as a . . . — — Map (db m142537) HM
Early Galveston hotel; built 1847 by John Seabrook Sydnor, Galveston mayor 1846-1847.
Greek revival architecture; Doric columns from Maine.
Has served as orphanage, military academy, residence, and set for a motion picture. Now Galveston . . . — — Map (db m56233) HM
Attempts to open public, tax-supported schools in Galveston after the Civil War (1861-65) were delayed by yellow fever and lack of funds, but in 1881 the school board devised a sound system of free public education. This included classes for black . . . — — Map (db m157725) HM
The Quigg-Baulard Cottage was originally built by William and Josephine Quigg in 1867. The wooden house with clapboard siding includes five-foot brick piers. The front exhibits Greek revival features, characteristic of mid-19th century Galveston. . . . — — Map (db m148955) HM
Called the "First Citizen of Texas" by U. S. President Woodrow Wilson, Rabbi Henry Cohen, an internationally known humanitarian, was born in London, England.
He came to Galveston in 1888 as spiritual leader of congregation B'Nai Israel and . . . — — Map (db m118254) HM
The revival of the economic, political, social and religious institutions in Galveston County following the Civil War, was more rapid than anywhere in the south. Galveston emerged as the largest city in Texas and with its natural seaport, became . . . — — Map (db m239829) HM
This structure, erected during the pastorate of the Rev. J.E. Edwards, replaced the first Reedy Chapel Church on this site, destroyed by the 1885 Galveston fire. Contractor E.F. Campbell began construction in 1886. Four storms hit the island that . . . — — Map (db m68579) HM
Trustees of the Methodist Church purchased this lot in 1848 as a worship site for Black slaves. Meetings were held outdoors until a building was erected in 1863. At the end of the Civil War (1865), ownership of the property was transferred to the . . . — — Map (db m63531) HM
The three row buildings at 213-217 Tremont, their exteriors now restored, were constructed in 1870 by Rice, Baulard & Company, a major supplier of paints, oils, varnish and window glass in Texas and Louisiana in the 1800's.
Victor Baulard . . . — — Map (db m118998) HM
Rosewood Cemetery on January 30, 1911, a group of African American Galvestonians formed the Rosewood Cemetery Association. The citizens purchased more than eight acres from the Joe Levy family near the beach, just west of the termination of . . . — — Map (db m157751) HM
Galveston's first African American cemetery 1911-1944 Site donated to Galveston Historical Foundation by John and Judy Saracco, 2006 Listed as a historical burial ground by the Texas Historical Commission — — Map (db m201960) HM
The earliest Catholic services in the Galveston area were conducted in 1838. In 1884, as a result of the church's growth under the direction of such leaders as Bishop J.M. Odin, the Galveston Diocese established Sacred Heart as the fourth church . . . — — Map (db m51266) HM
The park takes its name from Saengerfest, a biennial singing contest sponsored by German immigrant choral societies around the State of Texas in the 19th century.
A choral group from Galveston, “the Salamanders,” took top honors in . . . — — Map (db m118988) HM
Samson Heidenheimer, pioneer Galveston merchant, had this building erected in 1877 on the site of the Grand Southern Hotel. The Grand Southern was a four-story forty-room Victorian Hotel of brick construction.
In 1877, a fire originating on . . . — — Map (db m128844) HM
Born the son of a ship captain in Rhode Island, Samuel Williams was apprenticed to his uncle in Baltimore after 1810 to learn business skills. After 1816 he lived in Buenos Aires, where he learned Spanish and its related culture. By 1819 he was . . . — — Map (db m58097) HM
(Front)
In memory of
Samuel May Williams
Born in Providence, R. I.
October 4, 1795
Died in Galveston, Texas
September 13, 1858
His wife
Sarah Scott Williams
Born in Kentucky
December 7, 1807
Died in Galveston, Texas . . . — — Map (db m127525) HM
The south half of this building was constructed in 1913 to serve as a central passenger station for Galveston's railway system and to house the general offices of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad's Gulf lines. In 1932 an 11-story tower and . . . — — Map (db m59380) HM
Born in 1867 in Galveston. One of major systems of celebrated Masonic fraternal organization.
Philip C. Tucker, the Deputy Inspector General of the Masons, read charter establishing "San Felipe Lodge of Perfection." It was named after San . . . — — Map (db m51248) HM
Galveston developed as the “Wall Street of the South” during
the latter half of the 19th century. John Henry Hutchings became
one of the most successful businessmen through a banking and
commissions firm he co-owned. In 1896, Hutchings gave five . . . — — Map (db m245318) HM
One of oldest churches in Galveston. Congregation
was organized before 1870, when former Galvestonian
Henry H. Brower sold this church site to the Shiloh
African Methodist Episcopal Church. Purchase was
made through Brower's agent, Nahor B. . . . — — Map (db m245422) HM
Built by Reverend John McCullough in 1849. Patterned after private Presbyterian schools in historic Chester County, Pennsylvania. The institution was a landmark in pioneer Texas education. Eminently suited for the purpose, the school compound . . . — — Map (db m143657) HM
The Magnolia Grove Association formed in 1870 made plans to establish a cemetery atop this ridge to serve the entire community of Galveston. The land chosen was divided into 25 sections. Association members purchased individual plots and on June 20, . . . — — Map (db m193831) HM
A signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Founder of the city of Galveston. Member of the Congress of the Republic of Texas. — — Map (db m150235) HM
Seven nuns of the Ursuline order from New Orleans arrived in Galveston on January 19, 1847, sent at the request of Bishop Jean Marie Odin. By February 1847 the nuns established a convent and academy in the two-story former home of Judge James W. . . . — — Map (db m201948) HM
Galveston's economy grew after the Civil War as the
commercial district expanded greatly. The island's merchant
class capitalized on the nation's westward expansion and
established wholesale supply businesses in dry goods, cotton
and groceries. . . . — — Map (db m245434) HM
Built in 1886-87 for German native Jacob Sonnentheil (d. 1908), this home probably was designed by prominent Galveston architect Nicholas J. Clayton. Sonnentheil served with the Confederacy during the Civil War and operated a wholesale dry goods . . . — — Map (db m57408) HM
In the 1840s and 1850s, Galveston was a major point of entry for German immigrants. Bishop John M. Odin recommended construction of this church in 1859-60 for the German Catholic population. Joseph Bleicke, a German-born carpenter, built the frame . . . — — Map (db m57330) HM
City's oldest surviving church. Built 1847 by the most Rev. John M. Odin, C. M., Early missionary, and first bishop of Texas. Gift of half a million bricks from Antwerp, Belgium, made structure possible. Gothic cathedral is preserved in original . . . — — Map (db m58071) HM
The cornerstone for St. Mary’s Cathedral was laid in 1847, the same year that the Catholic Diocese of Galveston – which included all of Texas – was established.
Father J.M. Odin, the first Bishop of Galveston, traveled to Europe and secured . . . — — Map (db m201782) HM
Organized in 1866, this institution was the first private hospital established in the state. Originally known as Charity Hospital, it was founded by three French Catholic Sisters, members in the Order of Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. . . . — — Map (db m50051) HM
Galveston Bishop C.M. Dubus established this parish in 1870 to serve Catholics in Galveston Island's fast-growing west end district. A wood sanctuary was built at this site and the mostly Irish congregation named the church for St. Patrick, the . . . — — Map (db m52833) HM
Founded in the late 1860s, St. Paul Methodist Church can trace its history through two earlier Methodist congregations in Galveston. Charter members of St. Paul Church included Methodists from the Reedy Chapel Methodist Church (originally part of . . . — — Map (db m190766) HM
This property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior
Steffens-Drewa House
c. 1869
[marker two]
Entered in the National Register of Historic Places . . . — — Map (db m245307) HM
James Moreau Brown (1821-1895), builder of Ashton Villa, erected this home in 1885 as a wedding gift for his daughter Matilda (1865-1926) and her husband Thomas Sweeney (d. 1905). Attributed to architect Nicholas J. Clayton, the Victorian cottage . . . — — Map (db m58016) HM
Independent lawyers and representatives from 46 Texas law firms called a meeting in 1882 to create a statewide association. They organized the Texas Bar Association at the Electric Pavilion in Galveston (south of this site) on July 15.
J.H. . . . — — Map (db m50052) HM
This Broadway location had its roots with the purchase of the First State
Bank of Hitchcock on March 2, 1973. Charles T. Doyle of Texas City led
an investment group who purchased the bank from Shearn Moody, Jr. of
Galveston. Doyle later founded . . . — — Map (db m245513) HM
The Texas Heroes Monument was erected in 1900 and dedicated on
April 21st. It was the first monument in Texas honoring heroes of the
Texas Revolution of 1836. On the monument, the outstretched hand of
Victory is pointing to the San Jacinto . . . — — Map (db m245540) HM
Following Laffite's expulsion from Galveston, settlers from the West Indies began to arrive. Within a few years, Galveston became principal port to the Republic of Texas.
Galveston was declared a Port of Entry in 1825 by Mexico and a customs . . . — — Map (db m239823) HM
In 1889, during the Centennial of the inauguration of George Washington as first President of the United States, a group of Revolutionary War soldiers' descendants gathered in New York to form a society to promote awareness of the Revolutionary War . . . — — Map (db m60471) HM
Galveston is a narrow barrier island that hugs the upper Texas coast. This slender sliver of sand and beach hosts a precious diversity of wildlife, especially birds. Sandpipers, plovers, herons, egrets, waterfowl, gulls, terns, hawks, falcons, . . . — — Map (db m90649)
Built, 1886-1893, by Col. Walter Gresham, civic leader and U.S. Congressman. Nicholas J. Clayton was architect. One of the most lavish and massive homes in U.S., house is a Victorian adaptation of renaissance style.
Silver and onyx mantel in . . . — — Map (db m143659) HM
Built about 1882 by cotton buyer Bernard Roensch. Late Greek revival architecture with high Victorian detail in gingerbread trim, ornate tower, stained glass panels and transoms, slate mantels, fine staircase.
Has survived many storms. . . . — — Map (db m65059) HM
Service to the community by the late George Sealy (1880-1944), Galveston financier and civic leader, and his wife Eugenia (1901-1987) was commemorated by the dedication of this pavilion in their memory. The pavilion is a gift to the people of . . . — — Map (db m56212) HM
The original First National Bank of Galveston Building, designed by P M. Comegys for T. H. McMahan, Esquire, was three-story and erected in 1867 of pressed brick from Baltimore. The Strand front and all the door and window surroundings were of iron, . . . — — Map (db m130400) HM
Texas Oldest Newspaper Founded April 11, 1842
For Service to the State and Its Peoples, and in Tribute to Its Founders and Their Successors Who, With Courage and Integrity Have Worked to Maintain Our Cherished Freedom
This Plaque Is . . . — — Map (db m187248) HM
By the late 1800's, thousands of Jews began fleeing their homes in Russia and Eastern Europe to escape anti-Semitic policies and violent pogroms. Many immigrated to the U.S., establishing communities in New York City and elsewhere along the East . . . — — Map (db m201962) HM
Built in 1876 by German immigrant Samson Heidenheimer (d. 1891), this building has housed a number of wholesale and retail businesses. According to local tradition, Heidenheimer began business in Galveston prior to the Civil War as a street vendor, . . . — — Map (db m139928) HM
Built 1855-1859. First commercial building in Galveston. Housed the first headquarters of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston Engineer Office, established February 25, 1880. From these offices, the first District Engineer, Maj. Samuel M. . . . — — Map (db m119196) HM
Attracted by economic opportunities to be found here, a large number of Italian immigrants came to Galveston in the 19th century. In 1876, they formed the Italian Mutual Benevolent Society (Societa' Italiana di Mutuo Soccorso) to provide assistance . . . — — Map (db m49842) HM
A fine cypress structure with ornate woodwork, this house was built in 1886 by Maxwell (1845-1906) and Sarah Davis Maas for their family of nine children. A Galveston-born nephew of the musical composer Offenbach, Maas was a merchant and then county . . . — — Map (db m138033) HM
In 1917, with World War I at a stalemate, German military leaders adopted an aggressive strategy to strike any ships, even those of neutral nations, encountered in the Atlantic. As part of a campaign to hinder entry of the U.S. into the war, . . . — — Map (db m164352) HM
Family residence, W.L. Moody, Jr, built about 1894, and for many years home of Mr. Moody, prominent financier and philanthropist who established the Moody Foundation. Late Victorian architecture, said to have been Texas residence built on steel . . . — — Map (db m201858) HM
On Sept. 8, 1900 a devastating hurricane and tidal wave destroyed much of Galveston and left 6000 persons dead. After the tragedy, the city appointed a board of three engineers, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Henry M. Robert (1837-1923), author of "Robert's . . . — — Map (db m153174) HM
Born Heinrich P. Jung in Germany in 1817, the Rev. Henry P. Young began a Methodist ministry in Galveston in 1846. That year he founded the first Society of German Methodists in Texas. From 1849 to 1855 he rode a mission circuit of German colonies . . . — — Map (db m127632) HM
The oldest free public library in continuous operation in Texas. Established and endowed in 1900 by the will of Henry Rosenberg (1824-1893), a native of Switzerland who came to Galveston in 1843 and achieved prominence as a banker and merchant. In . . . — — Map (db m51254) HM
The Rotary Club of Galveston was
chartered June 1, 1913, the fifth Rotary
Club established in Texas and the 73rd
admitted to the International Association
of Rotary Clubs.
The Rotary Club members participate in
programs of club, . . . — — Map (db m245548) HM
A native of Circleville, Ohio, young Catholic priest James Martin Kirwin arrived in Galveston in 1896. He was soon appointed Vicar General of the Diocese of Galveston by Bishop Nicholas A. Gallagher. As rector of St. Mary's Cathedral, Father . . . — — Map (db m50050) HM
A native of France, Marius Etienne Chataignon served in the French army before coming to the United States in 1907. He came to Texas in 1910 to attend St. Mary's Seminary in La Porte. After his ordination, he was appointed assistant pastor at St. . . . — — Map (db m49821) HM
Julius Kauffman (1856-1935) and Julius Runge (1851-1906), second generation owners of a commission firm established in 1842, had architect Eugene T. Heiner design this renaissance revival building in the north Italian mode. Contractor Robert . . . — — Map (db m58102) HM
"The rush at the Menard or Central Wharf, now known as Pier 21, during the late 1860's and the early 1870's, with the big fleet of 'red' Morgan ships discharging cargo and passengers, with the river boats loading and unloading, was so great that a . . . — — Map (db m130384) HM
1836 - 1845
In commemoration of
The Texas Navy
that played heroic part
in the struggle of
the Texas Republic
and made headquarters at
the port of Galveston
Erected by
the Texas Society
Daughters of the American . . . — — Map (db m90704) WM
The present Tremont House is the third Galveston hotel to bear the name. The island's first Tremont House was built by the firm of McKinney and Williams in 1839 on the southwest corner of Postoffice and Tremont Streets.
An impressive two-story . . . — — Map (db m117389) HM
New York native Wilbur Cherry (1819-1873), a veteran of the Texas Revolution, had this two-story home built about 1852. A pioneer Texas newspaperman, Cherry had earlier helped establish a local paper, now the Galveston Daily News. His residence, one . . . — — Map (db m50067) HM
This two-story Greek revival residence was constructed in the 1850s. During the Civil War it was the home of Commodore Thomas Chubb (1811-1890), a veteran of the Texas Revolution. Captured by Union naval forces on Galveston Bay, he returned to the . . . — — Map (db m138000) HM
One of the "Old Three Hundred" of Austin's colonies Surveyed the town of Galveston Editor and one of the founders in 1835 of the Telegraph and Texas Register Born in Norwich, New York, January 28, 1804 Died in Galveston, Texas March 17, . . . — — Map (db m174392) HM
Thomas Jefferson League (1834-74) had this building constructed in 1871, putting the final touches on the structure when a new galvanized iron cornice was installed on October 8, 1872, after a storm damaged the new building at the corner of . . . — — Map (db m119199) HM
Born in Hartford, Conn., Thomas Miller Joseph came to Galveston about 1841 with his mother Annis (Rogers) (d. 1879) and the family of his Uncle Alexander Edgar. Admitted to the bar, he became a Democratic Party leader, serving as Chief Justice . . . — — Map (db m50055) HM
Until the 1870s, the north had of this block was under the waters of Galveston harbor. In 1874, John Wolston, a commission merchant, bought this property from The Galveston City Company and formed a partnership with Clinton Wells and Charles Vidor, . . . — — Map (db m193756) HM
Erected 1855-1857 for third episcopal mission in Republic of Texas. Established Feb. 6, 1841, by the Rev. Benjamin Eaton, rector from 1841 to 1871, who is buried beneath the sanctuary.
First service held Nov. 1, 1857. Here Rev. Alexander Gregg . . . — — Map (db m58014) HM
This Danish castle-inspired home was built in 1890 by John Clement Trube, who came in his youth from Kiel, Denmark. His architect was Alfred Muller.
A successful businessman, Trube married Veronica Durst, an heir of early Texan Peter Durst: . . . — — Map (db m160045) HM
Designed in neo-renaissance, high Victorian style by Nicholas J. Clayton, noted architect, for H.M. Trueheart & Co., first chartered realty firm in Texas, founded by John O. Trueheart in 1857.
H.M. Trueheart joined his father in 1866, admitted . . . — — Map (db m60502) HM
U.S.S. Seawolf (SS-197)
Lost in action, October 3, 1944
The Seawolf was the greatest warship in the history of the United States until her loss
Winner of two Presidential Unit Citations and 13 battle stars.
Marion Lee Asa
· John . . . — — Map (db m179127) HM WM
The United States National Bank started in 1874 when the Island City Savings Bank was established with a charter to operate for 50 years. In 1887 the bank was failing and called on Mr. Harris Kempner to help out the financial crisis. Mr. Kempner . . . — — Map (db m119201) HM
Before the Confederate recapture of Galveston on January 1, 1863, the nuns of this monastery declined the evacuation offer. During and after the battle the east wing was used as a hospital for treatment of the wounded from both sides.
Young . . . — — Map (db m239491) HM
A veteran of the War of 1812
who fought at the Battle of
New Orleans Jan. 8, 1815
Born March 15, 1782
Died August 1, 1885
Erected by the State of Texas — — Map (db m127604) HM
This raised one-story cottage originally was located at 620 Market Street. Before the property was purchased by Victor Gustafson in 1895, it had belonged to Swiss immigrant Henry Rosenburg, who is remembered as a prominent businessman and public . . . — — Map (db m201926) HM
Oldest continuous law firm in Texas. Founded Nov. 13, 1846, by William Pitt Ballinger (1825-1888), who on that day received first law license issued by state of Texas, through first judicial district court. A veteran of the Mexican War, he later . . . — — Map (db m143565) HM
North Carolina native Warren DeWitt Clinton Hall was an early immigrant to Texas who took part in several military expeditions against Spain and Mexico. He served as acting Secretary of War for the Republic of Texas at the time of the Battle of San . . . — — Map (db m127530) HM
In 1873 John Parker Davie had erected on this corner a four-story sixty-room hotel. Originally the Cosmopolitan, it was renamed the Washington the year after the famous old Washington Hotel at 21st and Mechanic Street burned down in the fire of . . . — — Map (db m119001) HM
Built during Galveston’s prominent business era, this house was completed in 1892 in the San Jacinto neighborhood for Ernest and Christiana Wegner. Designed by architect Carl Heufs, the house is a classic L-plan Queen Anne Victorian perched high . . . — — Map (db m142704) HM
The African American Methodist community in Galveston dates to 1848, when Gail Borden deeded land on Broadway for a salve church. Following the Civil War, the congregation changed its affiliation from Methodist Episcopal Church, South, to the . . . — — Map (db m143601) HM
First known to world history in the 16th century, from report of Spanish soldier Cabeza de Vaca, who was shipwrecked on this island in 1528. Area was also visited by French explorer La Salle in 1685. Second known Caucasian to live here was the . . . — — Map (db m201877) HM
First called West Point Free Mission Baptist Church,
this congregation traces its history to 1870, although
written documentation does not exist until 1882. The
Rev. G. R. Cushenberry served as first pastor.
The congregation met for worship . . . — — Map (db m245427) HM
Served in the Texas Army, 1836.
Purchased the Galveston News
1843. Born in New Haven, N. Y.
January 4, 1820; Died June 12, 1873.
His wife
Catherine Crosby
French Cherry
Born in Sligo, Ireland, February
22, 1826; Died . . . — — Map (db m127587) HM
In 1895, local banker William Cooke Skinner (1870-1953) and his wife, Adele (Preston) Skinner (1874-1966), bought this parcel for a home for their young family. Charles William Bulger (1859-1922), noted Texas architect, designed the two-story . . . — — Map (db m142536) HM
German immigration in the 19th century
contributed to Galveston's growing East End
community. Ties to family were important to
residents Ferdinand Louis Juneman (1833-1874) and
Dorothea (Dreier) Juneman (1836-1905) who bought
lots along Ball . . . — — Map (db m245569) HM
A bookkeeper for the Texas Cooperative Association, William J. Killeen built this residence about 1886. His family continued to live here following his death the same year. In 1899 the house was purchased by Dr. John Thomas Moore (1863-1951). A . . . — — Map (db m59414) HM
Famed for a long career of dynamic leadership in Galveston business, civic affairs, and philanthropy.
Born in Freestone County; son of William Lewis and Pherabe Elizabeth Bradley Moody. Educated at Virginia Military Institute, he later . . . — — Map (db m142496) HM
Born in Connecticut. Moved to Texas in 1829. Took part in Texas Revolution, participating in Siege of Bexar, 1835. Served as aide to Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas" (a distant relative), Gens. Edward Burleson and Sam Houston. Commander at . . . — — Map (db m127631) HM
Built by Samuel May Williams, a founder of Galveston, secretary to Stephen F. Austin, postmaster and land agent of Austin colony. Organized first Texas bank, was father of Texas navy and shipping industry. As envoy to the U. S., failed to get loan . . . — — Map (db m58098) HM
When the United States entered World War I in 1917, people
across the nation quickly signed up to serve in the military.
While the Council of National Defense advised medical students
and faculty to continue their education and teaching on . . . — — Map (db m245650) HM
A strait approximately 200 feet wide, 5 feet deep and more than 1,600 feet long across Bolivar Peninsula - was opened in 1955 by the Texas Game and Fish Commission as part of its continuing program to perpetuate and improve the state's fish and . . . — — Map (db m78509) HM
