Historical Marker

James S. Waters House

Marker installed: 2016
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

The East End Historic District, which initiated development in the area immediately east of Galveston’s Downtown Business District, saw its busiest period of construction during the last two decades of the 19th century. Many of the city’s government and business leaders built large and architecturally significant houses, including county treasurer James Stephen Waters.

Waters was born February 13, 1854, in New Orleans and moved to Galveston in 1872. In 1886, Waters partnered with Charles M. Mason to form a fire and marine insurance agency. That same year, Waters was elected treasurer of Galveston County, an office he held for the next 16 years – a period during which Galveston saw great economic growth and activity. In November 1889, Waters married Violet Hinkle and the couple had three sons: James Jr., William and Fenelon.

In January of 1891, Waters bought lot 11 on Church Street. The house was designed in the Victorian style by Henry Collier Cooke of the firm Bourgeois Nitchner & Cooke. Curved porches and the inset front entrance were popular architectural elements in Galveston at the time. The house also featured a roof tower that was removed in the mid-20th century due to roof drainage issues and restored in 2015 based on historic photos. An eastern addition to the house was built in 1899 to accommodate the growing family.

After James, Sr. died in 1923, Violet, Fenelon and his wife, Constance, lived in the house. After Fenelon and Constance moved out, William, Sr. and his wife, Haydee, moved in. After William, Sr.’s death, his widow, Haydee, lived in the house until Hurricane Ike in 2008. The property remained in the Waters family until 2014. It remains one of the best examples of Victorian architecture in the east end.

RECORDED TEXAS HISTORIC LANDMARK – 2016

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.

architecture houses residential buildings
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Galveston County, located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes for thousands of years before European explorers arrived in the 16th century. Spanish explorers were among the first to visit the region, followed by French and English explorers in the 17th and 18th centuries.

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.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history 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