Hagemann, John, House

a.k.a. Hagemann-Cobb House

3301 Ave. L, Galveston, TX
The Hagemann House represents a good example of a transitional Italianate- Queen Anne style residence in Galveston and is particularly noteworthy for its wrap-around veranda with an ogee curve roof. This uncommon ogee-shaped roof is, perhaps, the only illustration of its kind in Galveston, a city well known for its eclectic, Victorian-era architecture. Hagemann, a prosperous grocer and produce merchant of the late 1800s, contracted Richard Zincke to build the house in 1892. The two-story wood frame residence stands today in excellent condition with only minor alterations to its original appearance.

The structure exhibits a combination of two architectural styles popular during the late 19th century in Galveston. The hip roof and broad eaves with supportive brackets demonstrate an Italianate influence on the house. On the other hand, the asymmetrical plan and the ornate woodwork exhibited on the porch are characteristic of Queen Anne-style residences, thus creating a stylistic hybrid. The house's porch with an ogee curve roof is its most distinctive architectural feature and may possibly be the only example of its kind in the city.

City directories indicate that John Hagemann lived and worked as a grocer on the north side of Avenue I (Sealy) between Bath (25th) and 26th streets during the late 1870s and 1880s. Like many other businessmen of Galveston of that era, Hagemann's operations soon expanded, and by 1889 he had relocated his business onto the Strand, Galveston's commercial hub and, at that time, Texas' most important financial center.

Hagemann soon decided to erect a fine residence to symbolize his wealth. He purchased lot seven and the eastern half of lot six of block thirty-three from John R. Gross. And on September 10, 1892, Hagemann contracted Richard Zincke to erect the house at 3301 Avenue L. Remaining in the Hagemann family until the 1920s, the house has since been owned by several other families. Fortunately, the house has changed little since its completion, and it still retains much of its original integrity. The present owners purchased the house in 1974, and have completely refurbished the house.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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.

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The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
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