Fulton, George W., Mansion
Fulton Beach Rd., Fulton, TXBorn in 1810, George Ware Fulton was an entrepreneur who planned and worked to create an emporium on the Texas Gulf Coast. He founded a community named Fulton, Texas, and organized many business ventures to support the community. He built his Victorian house in this community and incorporated in the house many inventions and construction techniques of significance. Additional significance is attached to the house as one of few Victorian houses built along this part of the coast and one which has survived in the harsh climate. Fulton was also an engineer, a bridge builder, a railroad manager, an oilman, a scientific cattleman, and an oceanographer.
Fulton, the cousin of Robert Fulton, inventor of the steamboat, came to Texas from Indiana in 1837 to fight in the Revolution. At the war's end, he was employed by John P. Borden, land commissioner of the new republic, to transfer the Texas land archives from San Antonio to Houston, The task completed, he and Willard Richardson, later publisher of the Galveston News and the Texas Almanac, were sent to survey land claims in the Aransas Bay area. There he became acquainted with Henry Smith, the first provisional governor of Texas, and President Sam Houston's secretary of the Treasury.
The young Fulton courted and wed Smith's oldest daughter, Harriet. They were married in 1840 and shortly thereafter returned east where Fulton thought he could find greater opportunities for a man of his talents and where his children would receive a better education. However, his wife's land inheritance along the Texas coast eventually brought them back to Texas.
During the twenty-year sojourn in the East and Midwest, Fulton worked in a newspaper in Baltimore; engaged in speculative purchases of oil land in Pennsylvania; designed bridges in association with John A. Robeling, the architect who designed the Brooklyn Bridge; and managed the Kentucky Central Railroad.
Local significance of the building:
Fulton, the cousin of Robert Fulton, inventor of the steamboat, came to Texas from Indiana in 1837 to fight in the Revolution. At the war's end, he was employed by John P. Borden, land commissioner of the new republic, to transfer the Texas land archives from San Antonio to Houston, The task completed, he and Willard Richardson, later publisher of the Galveston News and the Texas Almanac, were sent to survey land claims in the Aransas Bay area. There he became acquainted with Henry Smith, the first provisional governor of Texas, and President Sam Houston's secretary of the Treasury.
The young Fulton courted and wed Smith's oldest daughter, Harriet. They were married in 1840 and shortly thereafter returned east where Fulton thought he could find greater opportunities for a man of his talents and where his children would receive a better education. However, his wife's land inheritance along the Texas coast eventually brought them back to Texas.
During the twenty-year sojourn in the East and Midwest, Fulton worked in a newspaper in Baltimore; engaged in speculative purchases of oil land in Pennsylvania; designed bridges in association with John A. Robeling, the architect who designed the Brooklyn Bridge; and managed the Kentucky Central Railroad.
Community Planning And Development; Architecture; Invention
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.
About Aransas County
Aransas County Timeline
Aransas County, located on the southwestern coast of Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Lipan Apache. Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, followed by French and English explorers in the 17th century. These early expeditions led to the establishment of Spanish missions and settlements in the region.
In the 19th century, Aransas County played a significant role in the fight for Texas independence from Mexico. The famous Battle of Refugio, a key engagement in the Texas Revolution, took place in the county in 1836. Following Texas' independence, Aransas County was officially established in 1871, named after the Aransas River, and Rockport became the county seat.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Aransas County thrived as a shipping and fishing hub. The construction of the railroad in the late 1800s greatly accelerated the county's growth, connecting Rockport to major cities and markets. The fishing industry also boomed, attracting entrepreneurs and providing economic stability.
However, the 20th century brought challenges to Aransas County, including economic recessions and natural disasters. Hurricanes, such as the devastating Hurricane Harvey in 2017, have had a significant impact on the county's coastal communities. Despite these obstacles, Aransas County has shown resilience and continues to attract tourists with its natural beauty, historic sites, and recreational opportunities, making it an important part of Texas history and culture.
In the 19th century, Aransas County played a significant role in the fight for Texas independence from Mexico. The famous Battle of Refugio, a key engagement in the Texas Revolution, took place in the county in 1836. Following Texas' independence, Aransas County was officially established in 1871, named after the Aransas River, and Rockport became the county seat.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Aransas County thrived as a shipping and fishing hub. The construction of the railroad in the late 1800s greatly accelerated the county's growth, connecting Rockport to major cities and markets. The fishing industry also boomed, attracting entrepreneurs and providing economic stability.
However, the 20th century brought challenges to Aransas County, including economic recessions and natural disasters. Hurricanes, such as the devastating Hurricane Harvey in 2017, have had a significant impact on the county's coastal communities. Despite these obstacles, Aransas County has shown resilience and continues to attract tourists with its natural beauty, historic sites, and recreational opportunities, making it an important part of Texas history and culture.
Aransas County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Aransas County, Texas.
- Pre-1800s: Aransas County was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Karankawa tribe, who relied on fishing and hunting for their livelihoods.
- 1825: The area that would become Aransas County was part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas.
- 1834: The Mexican government granted a land title for the area to James Power and James Hewetson.
- 1839: The Republic of Texas established Aransas County as one of its original counties. At this time, the county covered a much larger area than it does today.
- 1850s: The county began to see increased settlement with the founding of towns like Rockport and Fulton, primarily due to the potential for trade and access to natural resources like timber, fish, and shellfish.
- 1861-1865: Aransas County, like other parts of Texas, was greatly affected by the American Civil War. Union forces occupied the area at various times during the war.
- Late 19th century: The county's economy continued to rely on industries like fishing, cattle ranching, and cotton farming. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further facilitated commerce in the region.
- 20th century: The early 1900s brought changes to the county, including the arrival of the oil and gas industry, which brought new jobs and economic opportunities. Hurricane Harvey hit the county in 2017, causing significant damage but also spurring community recovery efforts.
- Present day: Aransas County remains a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic coastal landscapes, wildlife habitats, and recreational activities like fishing and birdwatching.