History & Heritage

IN GALVESTON

This coastal city is teeming with historical landmarks, vintage water vessels, and other destinations that offer a glimpse into the island’s heritage. Explore everything from Victorian mansions to tree-lined districts and cemeteries so that you can get the most out of your vacation. Here are a few of the historic sites in Galveston, TX that history buffs will love to discover.

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • When you go to the Galveston Historic Seaport, you may immerse yourself in Texan culture while also gaining insight into the history of Gaveston. Galveston Historical Foundation moved ELISSA, an 1877 square-rigged iron barque, from a scrapyard in Piraeus Harbor, Greece to Galveston to begin restoration work in 1978. By 1982, the staff and volunteers of the GHF had finished the restoration of this uncommon and historic vessel, which they […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • The Star Drug Store currently operates as an old-fashioned soda fountain that serves breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch. They also sell a variety of gifts and nostalgic collectibles from a simpler time. Learn more about this historic pharmacy in Galveston, which is recognized as the “Oldest Drug Store in Texas,” below. History Built by the Scanlons family in 1886, Star Drug Store was originally constructed from wood with elaborate facades, […]

  • 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 […]

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