McKinney-McDonald House
a.k.a. McDonald-Lee House
926 Winnie St., Galveston, TXThe McKinney-McDonald House is significant to Galveston as one of the fine examples of Victorian architecture which survived the devastating Hurricane of 1900 and represents an example of the evolution of Galves- ton's rich 19th-century architectural heritage. Located near the East End Historic District, the house is similar to the Victorian houses represented in the district but is distinctive as an excellent example of the elaborately detailed Eastlake style.
Built ca. 1889 by Liberty S. McKinney, the house has features typical of Galveston homes during this period---the two-stary, raised, frame structure with a prominent double gallery. However, the McKinney- McDonald House represents a subtle break away from the symmetrical Victorian houses typical of Galveston and introduces elements, such as the front bay, off-set gallery, projecting corner pavilions, and the northeast corner wing. In addition, the house is particularly unique in its lavish display of ornamentation. The bays have richly molded detail and carved friezes. The gallery on the south and east facades displays bold three-dimensional detail in a variety of curved, circular, and rounded shapes, rows of spindles, and turned posts. Even the foundation of the house and rear chimney have elaborate brick molding and decorative detail.
Liberty S. McKinney who had moved to Galveston in 1876, built this prominent home ca. 1889. During the Hurricane of 1900, the McKinney family and several friends survived the storm shelter in this house. McKinney was engaged in the wholesale grocery business for 20 years, but in 1898 branched into the real estate and insurance business in partnership with J. L. Boddeker and E. D. Beall. By 1901, however, McKinney sold the business and the house to Boddeker and presumably left Galveston. Boddeker probably rented the house between 1901-1905, for there is no evidence he ever lived at this address.
In 1905 the house was sold to Dominic D. McDonald, a young attorney in Galveston. McDonald was born in Pentwater, Michigan, in 1871 and received his law degree from the University of Michigan in 1893. Shortly, thereafter, he moved to Galveston, Texas, where he practiced law for nearly 50 years.
McDonald replaced all the trees and shrubbery that were lost in the Great Storm and the 14 live oak trees on the grounds date to this time. He was also responsible for filling in the basement during the island grade-raising in 1907. Judge McDonald died in 1941 and was survived by his wife Elva LeMoine McDonald and three children. Mrs. McDonald continued to live in the house until her death in 1972.
The present owners bought the McKinney-McDonald House in 1973 and are in the process of restoring the structure.
Local significance of the building:
Built ca. 1889 by Liberty S. McKinney, the house has features typical of Galveston homes during this period---the two-stary, raised, frame structure with a prominent double gallery. However, the McKinney- McDonald House represents a subtle break away from the symmetrical Victorian houses typical of Galveston and introduces elements, such as the front bay, off-set gallery, projecting corner pavilions, and the northeast corner wing. In addition, the house is particularly unique in its lavish display of ornamentation. The bays have richly molded detail and carved friezes. The gallery on the south and east facades displays bold three-dimensional detail in a variety of curved, circular, and rounded shapes, rows of spindles, and turned posts. Even the foundation of the house and rear chimney have elaborate brick molding and decorative detail.
Liberty S. McKinney who had moved to Galveston in 1876, built this prominent home ca. 1889. During the Hurricane of 1900, the McKinney family and several friends survived the storm shelter in this house. McKinney was engaged in the wholesale grocery business for 20 years, but in 1898 branched into the real estate and insurance business in partnership with J. L. Boddeker and E. D. Beall. By 1901, however, McKinney sold the business and the house to Boddeker and presumably left Galveston. Boddeker probably rented the house between 1901-1905, for there is no evidence he ever lived at this address.
In 1905 the house was sold to Dominic D. McDonald, a young attorney in Galveston. McDonald was born in Pentwater, Michigan, in 1871 and received his law degree from the University of Michigan in 1893. Shortly, thereafter, he moved to Galveston, Texas, where he practiced law for nearly 50 years.
McDonald replaced all the trees and shrubbery that were lost in the Great Storm and the 14 live oak trees on the grounds date to this time. He was also responsible for filling in the basement during the island grade-raising in 1907. Judge McDonald died in 1941 and was survived by his wife Elva LeMoine McDonald and three children. Mrs. McDonald continued to live in the house until her death in 1972.
The present owners bought the McKinney-McDonald House in 1973 and are in the process of restoring the structure.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
About National Register Listings
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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About Galveston County
Galveston County Timeline
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.
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 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