Juneteenth

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On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston to inform enslaved African-Americans of their freedom and let them know the Civil War had ended. Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued more than two and a half years earlier on January 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln.

Granger’s announcement is, perhaps, the most significant
historical event ever to take place in Galveston.

A segment from the order issued by en. Gordon Granger. (National Archives/National Archives )

A segment from the order issued by en. Gordon Granger. (National Archives/National Archives )

The proclamation was read by Granger at three Galveston locations - at the Osterman Building on The Strand, where the Union Army set up its headquarters after the Civil War; at the Galveston County Courthouse, 722 21st Street; and at Ashton Villa, 2300 Broadway.

Historians tell us that, upon hearing the good news, the freed slaves in Galveston headed over to the “Colored Church” to celebrate. That historic structure is now the historic Reedy Chapel AME Church.

Juneteenth received its name by combining June and 19. The day is sometimes called Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day or Emancipation Day.

Juneteenth was originally celebrated by families coming together to pray. As part of some celebrations on this day, former slaves and their descendants, would make annual pilgrimages back to Galveston.

This nine-foot-tall statue, celebrating Juneteenth as a state holiday, was erected in 2006 on the grounds of Ashton Villa.

This nine-foot-tall statue, celebrating Juneteenth as a state holiday, was erected in 2006 on the grounds of Ashton Villa.

Over the years, Juneteenth has remained a major day of celebration in Galveston, with the city usually holding more than a dozen events, including barbecues, a beauty contest, musical performances and parades. Combined, the events usually attract more than 10,000 people. This year, because of the coronavirus epidemic, only a few special events are planned.

In 1979, Juneteenth became an official Texas holiday, thanks to the dedicated efforts of State Representative Albert (Al) Edwards of Houston. Since then, other states have followed in kind. Currently, efforts are underway in Congress to have Juneteenth declared a national holiday. Perhaps, by this time next year, it will be!

Ashton Villa

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The 1859 Ashton Villa, a fully restored historic home, was the first of Galveston’s great mansions built on Broadway Boulevard. Since its completion, it has been at the center of the island’s social life.

On January 7, 1859, Colonel James Moreau Brown, a prominent hardware merchant and banker, purchased four lots on Broadway on which to build a home. Referencing architectural pattern books current at the time, he modified several plans to design his future home. Using slave labor and European craftsmen, Brown proceeded to build one of the first brick structures in Texas.

The three-story house was built in Victorian Italianate style, with deep eaves, long windows and ornate verandas that were topped by lintels made of cast iron. The brick walls were made 13 inches thick, to help protect against humidity and add strength to the structure. The interior of the home was laid out and designed around a central hall floor plan. Brown's wife, Rebecca Ashton, named the home in honor of one of her ancestors, Lt Issac Ashton, a hero in the U.S. Revolutionary War. 

The house was completed in 1861. When the Civil War began, the home became the headquarters for the Confederate Army and served in that capacity for the entire war, except for a brief period in the fall of 1862. At that time, Galveston was surrendered to the Union Army, which made Ashton Villa its headquarters. The Union's occupation was short lived, however, as Galveston was re-taken by the Confederates during the Battle of Galveston in January 1863.

Brown died in 1895, just five years before the Great Storm of 1900 devastated Galveston. Ashton Villa, however, managed to withstand the storm's winds and infamous storm surge, while serving as shelter to Brown's widow and children. In the storm's aftermath and grade raising of the city, its basement was filled in with sand, and the surrounding grounds were topped with two feet of soil.

Ashton Villa was sold in 1927 to the El Mina Shrine masonic order. The house served as its business offices and meeting hall until 1970, when it was offered for sale. Under the threat of demolition, the Galveston Historical Foundation raised $125,000 to purchase Ashton Villa. With additional funding from local foundations and the government, the process of restoring and refurnishing the home began. On July 25, 1974, the Galveston Historical Foundation opened the home to the public to serve as a House Museum, visitors center and a place for special functions.

Ashton Villa is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.  


East End

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George Washington Grover House, 1520 Market Street, was built in 1859. It is one of the first brick homes built in Galveston. (Photo taken in 2016)

George Washington Grover House, 1520 Market Street, was built in 1859. It is one of the first brick homes built in Galveston. (Photo taken in 2016)

The East End Historic District of Galveston encompasses a large 19th-century residential area. Roughly bounded by 11th Street, Broadway Blvd., 19th and 16th streets, and Market and Postoffice streets, the area has one of the best-preserved and largest concentrations of 19th-century residential architecture in Texas. It was developed mainly at a time when Galveston was the state's preeminent port.

The Issac Heffron House, located at 1520 Postoffice Street, was built in 1890. (Photo taken in 2016)

The Issac Heffron House, located at 1520 Postoffice Street, was built in 1890. (Photo taken in 2016)

The densely populated East End suffered significant damage in the Great Fire of 1885, with houses destroyed from 16th to 20th streets and from The Strand past Broadway. The tight grid pattern of lots and the existence of multiple alley residences made fighting the fire difficult within the neighborhood. Rebuilding was swift, with entire blocks rebuilt in 1886. This provided a great opportunity for local architects, such as Nicholas Clayton, Alfred Muller and George Stowe, to design elegant Victorian residences throughout the district.

The historic district, designated locally in 1970, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

Significant and representative properties, some of which are individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places or as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark include: Bishop’s Palace at 1402 Broadway, George Washington Grover House, at 1520 Market Street and the Issac Heffron House at 1509 Postoffice Street.

East End Historical District Association
EEHDA was formed in 1974 to preserve and maintain the heritage and livability of the East End Neighborhood. Though historical preservation is an important goal of the EEHDA, an equally important goal is to provide a high quality of life for all residents – regardless of age, ethnic background,and interest in historical preservation or EEHDA membership. For example the block parties are open to the public, with nonmembers as well as people living outside the east end encouraged to attend. The EEHDA seeks to accomplish this goal by working closely with city agencies, including the Galveston Police Department, City Council and the Landmark Commission, as well as surrounding historic neighborhoods.