Fulton-Bruhl House
Rockport, Aransas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built about 1868, this vernacular early Texas home was purchased in 1872 by James C. Fulton, a noted early business and civic leader. Fulton sold the home in 1907 to his son-in-law, Albert L. Bruhl, a pharmacist and civic leader who served three terms as mayor of Rockport. The home exhibits Greek Revival elements and features Italianate porch supports, a five-bay entrance, and oversized dormers. It has remained in the Bruhl family for over eight decades. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1988
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built around 1868 on the Aransas County coast, this vernacular Texas home blends Greek Revival lines with Italianate porch details and oversized dormers. Business and civic leader James C. Fulton bought it in 1872, and in 1907 it passed to his son-in-law Albert L. Bruhl, a pharmacist and three-term mayor of Rockport. The house stayed in the Bruhl family for more than eighty years.
Why it matters
Homes like this trace how coastal Texas towns grew through the families of their merchants and civic leaders in the decades after the Civil War.
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Related people
- Β· James C. Fulton
- Β· Albert L. Bruhl
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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