Galveston Historic Buildings & Homes

Rising four stories above Broadway at 2618, the Moody Mansion tells the story of one of Texas’s most influential families—and the golden era they helped shape.

Completed in 1895, this 28,000-square-foot home was the residence of William Lewis Moody, Jr., a cotton magnate, banker, and founder of an empire that would eventually include hotels, insurance companies, and media. Inside, 20 rooms are open for self-guided tours, each filled with original furnishings, family heirlooms, and turn-of-the-century charm.

Generations of Moodys lived here until 1986, and the house still feels lived-in—warm, elegant, and full of personal touches that bring history to life. It’s more than a mansion—it’s a walk through legacy, success, and the enduring spirit of Galveston Island’s recovery and reinvention.

Set beneath towering oak trees and framed by grand Greek Revival columns, the Michel B. Menard House is where Galveston’s story begins. Built in 1838 for one of the island’s founders, this is the oldest surviving home on Galveston Island—and a quiet testament to both love and loss.

Michel B. Menard, a Canadian fur trader and entrepreneur, had the home shipped in pieces from Maine—a practical solution during a time when skilled carpenters were scarce in Texas. Tragically, his second wife passed away the same year construction was completed.

Today, the home at 1605 33rd Street stands as a beautifully preserved piece of early Texas history. Inside, Biedermeier and William IV-style furnishings reflect the elegance of the era. Outside, manicured grounds offer a timeless setting for weddings and special events.

A visit to the Menard House isn’t just a walk through a historic home—it’s a step into the early days of Galveston’s resilience, romance, and architectural legacy.