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Located on the southeastern coast of
Texas just under an hour's drive from Houston, Galveston
Island's historic houses offer an absorbing window into the
past.
Learn the sad story of this town's
devastating loss in 1900 with a viewing of "The Great Storm"
(Pier 21 Theater, 21st St./Harborside Dr., (409) 765-7834). It was
the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, taking the lives of
more than 6,000 residents.
After, walk to the nearby Strand
National Historic Landmark District for a look-see at unique
boutiques and antique shops, but take time to admire the several
blocks of beautifully restored, ornate, 19th-century iron-front
commercial buildings. And do take a ride on the historical trolley
running from this area to the seawall (at 10.4 miles, this
protective wall is the longest continuous sidewalk in the world!).
Though you'll see the exteriors of many interesting vintage
homes as you drive through town, it is always exciting to see
interiors. Galveston accommodates with a variety of historic homes
open for public tours:
- The 1838 Greek Revival Michel B. Menard Home (1605 33rd St.,
(409) 762-3933) is the town's oldest house and was home to
Galveston's first Mardi Gras celebration (the town now has
the largest celebration in Texas). It is furnished with an
outstanding collection of Federal and American Empire antiques.
- The intriguing Victorian Moody Mansion (2618 Broadway, (409)
762-7668) was built in 1895 of limestone and brick. Inside it
features handcarved wood, stained glass, and coffered ceilings.
Each room is decorated in a different style, and family
heirlooms are displayed.
- On this same street, the 1859 ante-bellum Ashton Villa mansion
(2328 Broadway, (409) 762-3933) provides an intimate look at a
local family that had several skeletons in their closets. It is
filled with a fine collection of antiques, family heirlooms, and
original art.
- The town's grandest home, known as The Bishop's
Palace (1402 Broadway, (409) 762-2475), is also on mansion-laden
Broadway. Built in 1888 with a eye-popping exterior of native
Texas granite, white limestone, and red sandstone, it features a
gorgeous interior finished with a variety of exquisite woods.
Highlights include a music room mantel and fireplace lined with
silver, a marble fireplace from Italy, and damask wall coverings
from London.
If seeing these homes makes you
salivate for more, time another visit for May. The annual Galveston
Historic Homes Tour is held then, and very special private homes are
opened to the public.
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And you'll definitely want to view an intimate performance in
the magnificently restored Grand 1894 Opera House (2020 Postoffice,
(800) 821-1894;