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Reconstruction & Gilded AgeProgressive & Modern Era

George Fox House

Galveston, Galveston County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Shortly after the Civil War George Fox (d. 1906) joined his father's Galveston bakery, established in 1837. A successful merchant by the turn of the century, Fox built this home for his wife Elizabeth (Benison) and family about 1903. It probably replaced an earlier house at this site which was destroyed in the 1900 hurricane. The Fox home, which features Queen Anne styling with classical revival detailing, was occupied by family members until 1955. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1981

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Shortly after the Civil War, George Fox joined his father's Galveston bakery, an establishment dating to 1837, and built himself into a successful merchant by the turn of the century. Around 1903 he built this Queen Anne home with classical revival detailing for his wife Elizabeth and their family, probably replacing an earlier house destroyed in the catastrophic 1900 hurricane. Fox family members lived here until 1955.

Why it matters

Rebuilt in the wake of the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, the Fox House reflects the resilience of Galveston's merchant families after the 1900 storm.

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Related people

  • Β· George Fox
  • Β· Elizabeth Benison Fox

Related events

  • Β· 1900 Galveston hurricane

Themes & tags

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