Hotel Galvez
Galveston, Galveston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built at a cost of $1,000,000, this hotel was financed by local businessmen and public subscribers to help the economy of Galveston following the 1900 hurricane. Completed in 1911, it was designed by the St. Louis firm of Mauran and Russell. The Spanish Colonial revival styling included a red tile roof and white stuccoed brick walls. The hotel and city are named in honor of Count Bernado de Galvez (1746-86), Spanish Governor of Louisiana and Viceroy of Mexico. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1980
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
After the catastrophic 1900 hurricane that nearly wiped Galveston off the map, the island's businessmen and ordinary subscribers pooled a million dollars to build a grand hotel and signal that the port city would rebuild. Completed in 1911 and designed by the St. Louis firm Mauran and Russell, the Hotel Galvez rose in Spanish Colonial Revival style with a red tile roof and white stuccoed walls. Both hotel and city honor Bernardo de Gálvez, the Spanish governor of Louisiana and viceroy of Mexico for whom Galveston Bay was named.
Why it matters
The Galvez stands as a monument to civic resilience — a community's deliberate act of rebuilding confidence after the deadliest natural disaster in American history.
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Related people
- · Bernardo de Gálvez
Related events
- · 1900 Galveston hurricane
Themes & tags
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