Historical Marker
St. Joseph's Church
Marker installed: 1978
In the 1840s and 1850s, Galveston was a major point of entry for German immigrants. Bishop John M. Odin recommended construction of this church in 1859-60 for the German Catholic population. Joseph Bleicke, a German-born carpenter, built the frame structure with Gothic Revival detailing. A trefoil window adorns the square bell tower. St. Joseph's operated a parochial school from 1876 to 1926 and remained an active parish until 1968. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1978.