St. Mary's Cathedral
2011 Church Ave., Galveston, TXSt. Mary's Cathedral is the oldest religious structure in Galveston and is one of the earliest buildings still standing in the city. The church is significant both for its architectural value and as a historic document of the evolution of the Catholic church in Texas. In addition, the cathedral has played a part in Galveston's heritage.
In 1838 Reverend John Timon, C. M. was sent to investigate the condition of the Catholic faith in Texas. He and twelve of his brother Vincentians revived the Catholic religion in Texas, culminating in the foundation of the Diocese of Galveston in 1847. Together with his vice-prefect, Reverend John Mary Odin, C. M., Timon managed to procure enough money in 1841 to build a wooden-framed church. However, a storm blew down the small church the next year. This tragedy convinced the priests that they needed a more durable structure. In 1844 during a yellow fever epidemic, a visiting priest, attending to the sick and dying, fell victim to the disease and died within a few days. The following year the relatives of this priest sent 500,000 bricks from Antwerp, Belgium, to Father Odin as a memorial to be used in the construction of a larger, permanent church.
On May 4, 1847, Pope Pius IX created the Diocese of Galveston covering all of Texas and appointed Father Odin as the first Bishop of Galveston. In March of that year Bishop Odin lay the cornerstone for St. Mary's Cathedral and on November 26, 1848, dedicated the completed church.
The priests and the Cathedral served a central role in the village of Galveston throughout the following years. During the yellow fever epidemic of 1853 and later in the Battle of Galveston during the Civil War, the priests ministered to the sick and dying. After a disastrous flood in 1875, a tower, topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary, was erected and has served as a symbol of protection against storms of the sea. During all of Galveston's hurricanes, and particularly during the great storm of 1900, many Galvestonians received consolation and strength from this figure of Mary.
The Cathedral remains the official church of the Diocese of Galveston.
Local significance of the building:
In 1838 Reverend John Timon, C. M. was sent to investigate the condition of the Catholic faith in Texas. He and twelve of his brother Vincentians revived the Catholic religion in Texas, culminating in the foundation of the Diocese of Galveston in 1847. Together with his vice-prefect, Reverend John Mary Odin, C. M., Timon managed to procure enough money in 1841 to build a wooden-framed church. However, a storm blew down the small church the next year. This tragedy convinced the priests that they needed a more durable structure. In 1844 during a yellow fever epidemic, a visiting priest, attending to the sick and dying, fell victim to the disease and died within a few days. The following year the relatives of this priest sent 500,000 bricks from Antwerp, Belgium, to Father Odin as a memorial to be used in the construction of a larger, permanent church.
On May 4, 1847, Pope Pius IX created the Diocese of Galveston covering all of Texas and appointed Father Odin as the first Bishop of Galveston. In March of that year Bishop Odin lay the cornerstone for St. Mary's Cathedral and on November 26, 1848, dedicated the completed church.
The priests and the Cathedral served a central role in the village of Galveston throughout the following years. During the yellow fever epidemic of 1853 and later in the Battle of Galveston during the Civil War, the priests ministered to the sick and dying. After a disastrous flood in 1875, a tower, topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary, was erected and has served as a symbol of protection against storms of the sea. During all of Galveston's hurricanes, and particularly during the great storm of 1900, many Galvestonians received consolation and strength from this figure of Mary.
The Cathedral remains the official church of the Diocese of Galveston.
Architecture; Religion
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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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The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
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 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