Still Standing: A Glimpse of Historic Galveston Homes




Before Galveston became known as a seaside town filled with tourists and souvenir shops, it was an island where immigrants from all over the world put down their roots. There were no snow cone stands parked on the seawall or cyclists descending the sidewalk; instead, the island was the scene of Civil War battles and was recognized for a time as one of the wealthiest cities in the country.

Prior to the 16th century and the migration of settlers of European heritage, the The Karankawa Indians inhabited the land. In the mid-19th century, the island changed dramatically after independence from Mexico, and Galveston quickly became the largest city in Texas after statehood in 1845.

As large corporations began to thrive, wealthy residents built lavish estates where European furniture and stained glass were imported.glass windows were common. Although much has changed on the island since then, these homes serve as portals to Galveston’s history and are a testament to great Texas style.




brooding mansion

2618 Broadway St.

After Richard Short Willis, a Galveston cotton contractor and broker, died, his widow, Narcissa Worsham Willis, built what would later be known as the Moody Mansion. Narcissa demolished the existing Willise house and chose Englishman William Tyndall to build a large island estate. In 1899, shortly after the house was built, Narcissa died and it was put up for sale by her daughter, Olive. The house remained for sale after the cataclysmic hurricane of 1900 and sold just weeks after the disaster for nearly $20,000 (over $700,000 today) to WL Moody Jr. Tyndall’s design included three floors with 20 rooms. The ground floor consisted of the servants’ quarters, while the first and second floors had bedrooms, the kitchen, and wine racks. Built in a Richardsonian Romanesque style, the mansion mimics the aesthetics of medieval Europe. Several porches are located throughout the estate which helped bring in the cool island breeze. Aluminum details are found on the second floor along its walls and ceilings. The house also exhibited advanced architecture for its time, as Tyndall was one of the first architects to use structural steel in the construction of houses.

Letitia Rosenberg Women’s House

1804 Rosenberg Street

Once serving as a residence for women in poor health or in need of financial assistance, the Letitia Rosenberg House for Women is a three-story Victorian Gothic home a few blocks from the Gulf of Mexico. Alfred Muller designed the estate in 1895. The house sold in 2021 for $2.1 million and currently operates as an Airbnb. Despite its renovations, the house harkens back to the early days of the period, with pine floors and intricate crown molding. Crystal chandeliers and a wooden spiral staircase still adorn the house. As if the house couldn’t get any bigger, its kitchen and bathrooms contain over 22,000 pounds of Carrara marble.




Michel B. Menard House

1604 33rd Street.

Once the home of one of Galveston’s earliest founders, the Michel B. Menard House is recognized as the oldest standing house on the island. The Greek Revival-style house was built in 1838 and was the site of Galveston’s first Mardi Gras celebration in 1840. More than 300 guests attended the event, according to the Galveston News, and many came dressed as French musketeers or Casanovas. In the 1990s, the house was in danger of demolition as it was in poor condition from aging and past storms. However, after years of restoration, the house is now a space for weddings and other special events. The interior of the house includes furniture from the first half of the 19th century with Antiquities from the Biedermeier and William IV period.






Episcopal Palace

1402 Broadway St.

Located in the historic East End district of Galveston, Bishop’s Palace is recognized as one of the most important Victorian residences in the country. The house was built in 1892 with a grand entrance that continues to welcome visitors. There are more than 50 rooms spread over three stories that once served as the residence of Colonel Walter Gresham, a Confederate soldier and Congressman, with his wife, Josephine, and their nine children. Original Gresham family furnishings remain in place throughout the home. Upon Gresham’s death in 1920, the house was sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston and served as the residence of Bishop Christopher E. Byrne of the Church of the Sacred Heart. Remnants of Byrne’s time at the house can also be found, including a chapel with colorful stained glass windows of saints. Other notable features of the house include many colored stones and even a silver fireplace.






Villa Ashton

2328 Broadway St.

BBuilt in 1859 by James Moreau Brown, this Victorian-Italian home was credited as the first brick-built mansion and private residence on the island. Long windows and cast iron verandas decorate the exterior of the house. Each room has a fireplace, and gas chandeliers functioned as the main source of light in the house. The brick walls were built 13 inches thick to protect the house from the humidity of the island. Unlike many homes around the island, Ashton Villa withstood the devastation of the 1900 hurricane, which reportedly killed between 6,000 and 8,000 people. While the house was known for its immaculate architectural design and as the hub of one of the island’s most popular New Year’s Eve parties, it was also where General Gordon Granger announced the emancipation of slaves on June 19, 1865. Today the villa is the official site of Galveston’s annual Juneteenth celebration.

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