East End Historic District (Galveston, Texas) facts for kids
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East End Historic District
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Col. Walter Gresham House, HABS photo
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 East End Historic District
Location in Texas
East End Historic District
Location in the United States
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| Location | Irregular pattern including both sides of Broadway and Market Sts., Galveston, Texas |
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| Area | 150 acres (61 ha) |
| Built | 1840 |
| Architect | Nicholas J. Clayton, et al. |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001979 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Designated NHLD | May 11, 1976 |
| Designated HD | May 30, 1975 |
The East End Historic District is a special neighborhood in Galveston, Texas. It's like a time capsule filled with beautiful old houses from the 1800s. This area is known for having one of the biggest and best collections of 19th-century homes in all of Texas.
This district was built when Galveston was a very important port city. It became a local historic district in 1970. Later, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. In 1976, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a really important place in American history!
Contents
A Look Back: Galveston's History
Galveston became a port city way back in 1830. That's when Mexico set up a customs office there. After Texas became its own country in 1836, Galveston Island grew even more. It became the main port for the new Republic of Texas.
The city's streets were planned out in 1838. By 1850, Galveston was the second-largest port on the Gulf Coast. Only New Orleans was bigger! During this time, many Greek Revival style houses were built. Some of these old homes are still standing today.
Growth and Challenges
Galveston kept growing after the American Civil War. But then, Houston started to become a big port too. This slowed Galveston's growth. A huge event that changed everything was the 1900 Galveston hurricane. This terrible storm hit the city hard. It greatly reduced Galveston's importance as a major port.
Homes of Important People
The East End of Galveston Island became the most popular place to live. Important business leaders and city officials built their homes here. For example, Wilbur Cherry, an early newspaper publisher, built his house in 1852. It's one of the oldest homes in the district.
The most amazing house in the area is often called the Bishop's Palace. It was finished in 1893. A famous politician and lawyer named Walter Gresham built it.
Most of the more than 550 buildings in the district are homes. They show off different Victorian styles. But you can still find many original Greek Revival homes from the early days. The East End was officially protected as a local historic district in 1970.
Famous Buildings to See
Many buildings in the East End Historic District are very special. Some are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Others are Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks. Here are a few examples:
- Bishop's Palace: This grand home is located at 1402 Broadway Street. It's a National Register of Historic Places site and a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
- George Washington Grover House: You can find this house at 1520 Market Street. It's also a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
- Isaac Heffron House: This historic home is at 1509 Postoffice Street. It is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
