Galveston Architectural Attraction ~ Historic Bishop's Palace ~ Day-tripping to Galveston Island

Things to do in Houston...

When it gets hot in the summertime one of the things to do in Houston is to escape some of the turgid and sizzling heat and do a little day-tripping to Galveston Island. It is always degrees cooler down there with saltwater breezes blowing in from the Gulf of Mexico. And if looking for something a bit different to do a Galveston attraction worth seeing is the amazing Bishop's Palace.

Many people have probably spotted this Victorian beauty after coming over the I-45 causeway bridge and traveling down the main street of Broadway leading directly to the Gulf beaches which lie straight ahead.

It is situated on the left hand side of the street and directly across from it is the dazzling white Moorish designed Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The address is at 1402 Broadway.

If one does not grab your attention, the other structure surely will!

Of course there are many beautiful and historic buildings on Galveston Island.

Galveston attraction

Walter Gresham who was a Texas politician and lawyer had noted Galveston architect Nicolas Clayton (who also designed many of the other magnificent structures on the Island) design a home for him and his family.

It was completed in 1893.

Throughout the years I have had the occasion to tour it numerous times.

Vividly do I remember my dad's admiration for the use of the various woods used in constructing this house!

As a carpenter who had built furniture as well becoming a homebuilder and Realtor in later years, he truly appreciated wood and what could be made from it.

Looking at the mahogany, satinwood, rosewood and other types of wood used as paneling in different rooms, he admired the fact that each side of a closing door was faced with the same wood as in each room. Quite an eye for detail was exhibited when building this fine home.

Magnificent stained glass windows are to be seen throughout this mansion.

Fireplaces that originated from all parts of the world were transported to this home and used in many of the rooms.

One of the mantles with respect to a fireplace even won first place in the Philadelphia World's Fair in 1876. This pre-dated the building of the Gresham mansion and undoubtedly no expense was spared in acquiring it for use in his home.

Over the dining room table if one gazed up at the high ceiling overhead sweet little cherub faces were painted up there. These faces, we were told, were the Gresham children's faces!

This was one of the first homes in Galveston that had electricity among many other innovations.

Built solidly and built to last, it survived the devastating 1900 hurricane that swept over this city killing up to 8,000 people many of whom were never found.

Bishop's Palace

So why is it called the Bishop's Palace?

In 1923 the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston purchased the Gresham mansion for use as it's Bishop's residence.

Later the arch-diocese was moved to Houston and in 1963 the now titled Bishop's Palace was opened to the public for tours.

The ticket prices help maintain this Victorian beauty which is well worth the time and effort to see.

Architects love seeing this building!

So do people who enjoy Victorian decor of high caliber from the late 19th century.

Guided tours are made available and the docents leading these tours are friendly and knowledgeable. Check the link to the right for hours of operation and prices if you intend to visit the Bishop's Palace on a Galveston, Texas sojourn.

Personally every time I have taken another tour I have spotted things that were missed in previous visits. There is so much to look at and admire!

National Register of Historic Places

Galveston, Texas has 6 historic districts with some 60 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

At one time it was the Capitol of the Republic of Texas and many influential people lived and did business there.

To see a slide-show featuring more of the late 19th century architecture of historic buildings in Galveston be sure and click on the video to the right. At the end of the video the Bishop's Palace is shown.

My husband, mother and I have gone to Galveston for their historic home tours and whether it is a mansion like the Bishop's Palace, or smaller residences one thing is certain. The people of Galveston love their unique spot in Texas history and the ambiance and culture of what Galveston has to offer visitors and residents alike.

No hurricanes can permanently dampen their spirits!

Linocut Art

Over the years I have been privileged to have been invited to be a participant as the featured artist in 5 one person art shows in Galveston, Texas featuring my linocut art as well as some other mediums.

Because of this I have chosen as subject matter some of the wonderful buildings in this fair city as subject matter.

A portion of an architectural feature of the Bishop's Palace was created back in the year 2004.

While the blocks are hand carved with sharp gouging tools, each print is individually created after inking the block and pressing each piece of acid free paper onto it. Thus, even though part of a limited edition series, each print is an original with slight variation from print to print.

Galveston has a once a month art-walk with many galleries and other venues like some restaurants participating in showing different artist's original creations.

So if you appreciate the arts as well as architecture...not to mention beaches and other venues to keep you as busy...or as relaxed as one might wish...think of day-tripping to Galveston or staying even longer for a Galveston vacation. There are many more Galveston attractions than merely the Bishop's Palace featured in this hub although it is certainly a show-stopping winner.