History & Heritage In Galveston
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Constructed sometime between 1887 and 1892, this 19,082 square-foot Victorian-style mansion is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Bishop’s Palace was built for Colonel Walter Gresham, the founder of the Colorado and Santa Fe railroads, when he and his wife moved to the island after the Civil War. Made with steel and stone, the sprawling residence is viewed as one of the country’s premier examples of Gilded-Age extravagance and Victorian exuberance. Located in the historic East End of Galveston, Bishop’s Palace (also known as Gresham’s Castle) offers daily self-guided tours to visitors from 10AM to 5PM. On Saturday mornings, you can experience a rare look into parts of the home that are usually off-limits, including Mrs. Gresham’s studio, a third-floor room that reveals panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Tickets are for these Basement to Attic Tours are $35 per person and are limited to 20 total guests.
In addition to the ornate Bishop’s Palace, Galveston’s East End Historic District is replete with an assortment of magnificent 19th century homes. Bounded by Market Street to the north, Broadway to the south, 9th Street to the East, and 19th Street to the west, this expansive 50-block area was designated as a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With a mixture of Greek Revival and Victorian-inspired architecture, the vintage residences range from quaint cottages with welcoming porches to towering mansions with stained glass windows and intricate carvings. Stroll through the tree-lined streets to peek into this island town’s past, where you will be transported back in time to the “Gilded Age.”
Boasting 31 rooms, 4 stories, and over 28,000 square feet, the stately Moody Mansion has been listed as one of the nation’s most famous houses by the Travel Channel. Also known as the Willis-Moody Mansion, this historic site in Galveston, TX is located at 2618 Broadway Street and is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior and is a recorded Texas historical landmark. This Romanesque-style home was constructed in 1895, was designed by British architect William H. Tyndall, and was decorated by famous interior design firm Pottier & Stymus of New York. Purchased by the Moody family after the Great Galveston Storm of 1900 and owned by them until 1983, the estate was eventually turned into a museum in 1991. Now, you can tour 20 rooms of the Moody Mansion that showcase the life of this influential family who established one of the largest financial empires in the country. Each room contains personal family heirlooms and is furnished in various styles that range from Classical Revival to French Rococo. Exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours are also available, via advance reservation, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Nestled on Galveston’s waterfront, the Galveston Historic Seaport houses both the Tall Ship ELISSA and an adjacent museum. The museum features exhibitions on sea commerce and immigration. Here, you will find the Galveston Immigration Database, which allows visitors to search for information taken from ships’ passenger manifests pertaining to their ancestors’ arrival in Texas. The museum can also be rented out for private events for up to 500 standing or 300 seated guests. Dubbed the “Official Tall Ship of Texas” and registered as a National Historic Landmark, the Tall Ship Elissa is one of the only ships of its kind that still actively sails and hosts over 40,000 visitors a year. Learn about the island’s maritime history when you check out this floating museum’s new “Ship to Shore” presentation. This experience invites you to follow in the footsteps of early immigrants’ as they faced wonders and challenges on their lengthy sea voyages to Galveston’s bustling port in the 1880’s.
This Greek revival-style residence is the oldest remaining house on the island and was owned by one of the founders of the city of Galveston, Michel B. Menard. The land the house would ultimately be built on was purchased on Menard’s behalf by Mexican-born Texan, Juan Seguin. These 4,600 acres at the eastern end of the island allowed Menard to form the Galveston City Company with other Texas businessmen in 1838 and the city was incorporated a year later. Today, the house operates as an event venue and as a museum that is open for public tours Friday through Sunday. Inside, you will find antique furniture from the 1800s-1850’s, along with replicas of carpets, drapes, and other upholstery from that time.
Consisting of 7 different cemeteries plotted between 1839 and 1939, the Broadway Cemetery Historic District offers a unique look into the history of Galveston. From those who perished in the Great Storm of 1900 to famous Galvestonians, these burial grounds are home to thousands of interred souls. Within the cemeteries, you will discover outdoor chapels, vaults, and various architectural styles ranging from Italian to Greek. The extensive collection of tombstones reveals crosses, lambs, lilies, angels, broken obelisks, and many more funerary symbols.
For a unique experience that will send you back to a simpler time, visit the Star Drug Store. This historic pharmacy has been around since 1886 and was renovated in 1909, with a tile soda fountain counter added in 1917. Known as the “Oldest Drug Store in Texas,” this charming store was once again restored in 2001 after a severe fire in 1998 and then again in 2008, after it was flooded by Hurricane Ike. Visit today to enjoy an old-fashioned soda fountain, breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch. You will also find an assortment of nostalgic collectibles and gifts.
Visit some of Galveston’s most popular museums and cultural attractions to find out more about the island’s rich heritage.
