French-Galvan House
Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Originally located at the corner of Waco and Comanche Streets, this colonial revival home was built in 1907-08 for the family of Asa Milton and Frances Garrett French. A.M. French (1850-1936), a native of New Hampshire, was a surveyor and civil engineer. He settled in Corpus Christi in 1882 after working on the construction of the Texas-Mexican railroad and became an active civic leader. The home was acquired by Rafael Galvan (1887-1966) in 1942. Galvan was a Corpus Christi policeman for 20 years and was a founder and charter member of the league of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). A prominent businessman as well, he also opened a popular ballroom. The home remained in the Galvan family for 40 years. The french galvan house is a two story structure with a wraparound gallery on each floor. The first story boasts ionic columns. The central dormer on the hipped roof features a palladian window and is surrounded by a balustrade. The classical ionic order is also featured at the front entryway. The Corpus Christi landmark was moved to this site in 1983.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1907–08 for surveyor and civil engineer A. M. French, a New Hampshire native who helped construct the Texas-Mexican railroad, this colonial revival home later passed to Corpus Christi policeman Rafael Galvan in 1942. Galvan was a founding charter member of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and a prominent businessman who ran a popular ballroom. With its wraparound galleries, Ionic columns, and Palladian dormer window, the house stayed in the Galvan family for four decades.
Why it matters
The home connects Corpus Christi's railroad-era growth to the rise of LULAC, one of the oldest and most influential Latino civil rights organizations in the United States.
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Related people
- · Asa Milton French
- · Rafael Galvan
Related events
- · Founding of LULAC
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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