Trueheart-Adriance Building
212 22nd St., Galveston, TXOutstanding among the many fine nineteenth-century commercial structures in the Strand District in Galveston, Texas, is the small Victorian building designed by Nicholas J. Clayton for the Trueheart-Adriance real estate firm in 1881. The style is opulent, vernacular, and eclectic, executed with high confidence. The building has been restored and its brisk red and white facade and strong cornice are symbolic of the prosperous era of Galveston.
The firm grew out of a real estate company established by John O. Trueheart, a Princeton-educated lawyer who had come to Texas from Virginia. His son Henry Martyne Trueheart, who had been appointed Assessor and Collector of Taxes for Galveston County by 1857, joined his father in the business after fighting for the South in the Civil War. H. M. Trueheart acquired the real estate firm organized by A. J. James in 1857. In 1872 John Adriance joined the firm, and from 1884 until his death in the 1900 hurricane, Lucian Minor was a partner. After Trueheart's death, the firm name was changed to John Adriance & Sons. The company was one of the oldest and largest real estate firms in Texas during the 19th century and the building is significant as an example of the work of Galveston's most prominent architect, Nicholas J. Clayton.
The building and the bank building next door have been bought by the Junior League of Galveston, for an educational museum and for their offices. The building has been carefully restored and a shop selling high-quality items for interior decoration is now open on the first floor.
Local significance of the building:
The firm grew out of a real estate company established by John O. Trueheart, a Princeton-educated lawyer who had come to Texas from Virginia. His son Henry Martyne Trueheart, who had been appointed Assessor and Collector of Taxes for Galveston County by 1857, joined his father in the business after fighting for the South in the Civil War. H. M. Trueheart acquired the real estate firm organized by A. J. James in 1857. In 1872 John Adriance joined the firm, and from 1884 until his death in the 1900 hurricane, Lucian Minor was a partner. After Trueheart's death, the firm name was changed to John Adriance & Sons. The company was one of the oldest and largest real estate firms in Texas during the 19th century and the building is significant as an example of the work of Galveston's most prominent architect, Nicholas J. Clayton.
The building and the bank building next door have been bought by the Junior League of Galveston, for an educational museum and for their offices. The building has been carefully restored and a shop selling high-quality items for interior decoration is now open on the first floor.
Commerce; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
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 discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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