The Kennedy Bakery
Houston, Harris County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Irish native John Kennedy (1819-78) came to Houston in 1842. A baker, he operated a store at other locations in the city before commissioning the construction of this building about 1860 for a steam bakery. Kennedy later established other operations and became a leading businessman of Houston. One of the oldest structures in the city on its original site, the two-story brick building remained in the Kennedy family until 1970. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1980
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Irish immigrant John Kennedy (1819–78) arrived in Houston in 1842 and, after running stores elsewhere in the city, commissioned this two-story brick building around 1860 for a steam bakery. Kennedy went on to become a leading Houston businessman, and the structure — one of the oldest in the city still on its original site — stayed in his family until 1970. It was named a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1980.
Why it matters
The bakery is a rare survivor from Houston's antebellum commercial beginnings and a reminder of the immigrant entrepreneurs who built the early city.
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Related people
- · John Kennedy
Themes & tags
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