Historical Marker

The Rt. Rev. Monsignor Marius Etienne Chataignon

Historical marker location:
1302 Broadway, Galveston, Texas
( at Sacred Heart Church)
Marker installed: 1991
Marker size: 27" x 42"

(September 17, 1886 - November 18, 1957) A native of France, Marius Etienne Chataignon served in the French army before coming to the United States in 1907. He came to Texas in 1910 to attend St. Mary's Seminary in La Porte. After his ordination, he was appointed assistant pastor at St. Mary's Cathedral in Galveston in 1911.

Chataignon served as a chaplain in the U. S. Army in France during World War I. Appointed chaplain in the U. S. Army Officers Reserve Corps in 1923, he also served with the Texas National Guard, 36th Division. In 1924 he became pastor of Galveston's Sacred Heart Church.

In 1942 "Father Chat, Galveston's soldier priest," as he was fondly known, was promoted to the rank of colonel and served as chief chaplain of the II Corps, 5th Army in North Africa and Italy during World War II. Pope Pius XII appointed Father Chataignon to the rank of domestic Prelate in 1943. Monsignor Chataignon returned to Sacred Heart Church in 1945 a highly decorated veteran and retired from the army in 1953.

During his years as pastor at Sacred Heart, "Father Chat" was instrumental in the establishment of the Odin High School for Boys which became Kirwin High School, and he organized Boy Scout troops. He is buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Dickinson. (1991)

Incise on base: Msgr. Chataignon Knights of Columbus #9978

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.

World War II religious leaders Roman Catholic denomination military topics
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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