Hutchings, Sealy & Co. Building
Four decades after joining in partnership, George Ball, John Henry Hutchings, and John Sealy employed prominent Galveston architect Nicholas J. Clayton to design office buildings for their Ball, Hutchings & Co. commission and banking operations. Built in 1895 as two individual but connected structures, these buildings complemented Galveston's Stand Avenue, known at the time as the "Wall Street of the Southwest."
The buildings' renaissance revival style is represented by the heavily rusticated stone arches featured on its entryways, terra cotta detailing on the parapets and entablatures, evenly spaced columns and pilasters, elaborate stone cornice, and arcading windows. The foundation walls are six feet wide at the base and made of pressed brick with ashlar patterned sandstone facing.
The corner building, which features the name "Hutching" on its entablature, was originally constructed for John H. Hutchings. The adjoining office building, featuring the name "Sealy" on its entablature, was built for John Sealy. These majestic buildings are reminders of a grand era in Galveston's history and the philanthropic legacy of these early businessmen.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1992
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
In 1816, Pirate Jean Lafitte established a short-lived settlement on Galveston Island, which became a haven for smugglers and criminals. However, the pirate era came to an end when the Mexican government took control of Texas and drove out Lafitte and his fellow pirates.
The 19th century saw Galveston County become a major seaport and commercial center. In 1839, the city of Galveston was founded and quickly grew in size and prosperity. The city became an important hub for the Texas cotton industry and played a significant role in the Texas Revolution and the Civil War.
However, Galveston faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including devastating hurricanes. The most notable was the Great Storm of 1900, which remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, claiming thousands of lives and causing extensive damage. Despite the destruction, Galveston rebuilt and implemented engineering projects, including the construction of a seawall, to protect the city from future hurricanes.
Today, Galveston County is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The county has successfully preserved its rich heritage while embracing modern development, making it a unique and diverse place to visit and live.
Galveston County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Galveston County, Texas.
- 1528 - Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca becomes the first known European to set foot on Galveston Island
- 1816 - Pirate Jean Lafitte establishes a base on Galveston Island
- 1825 - Galveston becomes a port of entry for the newly formed Republic of Mexico
- 1836 - Galveston becomes an important port during the Texas Revolution
- 1839 - The City of Galveston is officially incorporated
- 1854 - Galveston becomes the largest city in Texas
- 1900 - Galveston is struck by a devastating hurricane, resulting in over 6,000 deaths
- 1901 - Oil is discovered in nearby Spindletop, leading to a period of economic growth
- 1957 - The world's first offshore drilling rig is built in Galveston
- 2008 - Hurricane Ike causes significant damage to Galveston