National Register Listing

Willis-Moody Mansion

a.k.a. Moody Mansion and Museum

2618 Broadway, Galveston, TX
Associated with two prominent Galveston mercantile and entrepreneurial families, the Richardsonian Romanesque Willis-Moody Mansion is an important document of the position Galveston once held in the economic, political, and social spheres of Galveston and Texas. The mansion was built between 1893 and 1895 by Narcissa Willis, widow of Galveston merchant Richard Short Willis, using the talents of English-born architect William H. Tyndall. Just five years after its completion, in 1900, the house was purchased from Narcissa Willis's heir by William Lewis Moody, Jr., whose business ventures over the ensuing five decades would play a key role in the development and definition of the economy in Galveston and Texas. The property is eligible for its association with Moody under Criterion B in the area of Commerce at the state level. The mansion's design, construction, and decoration also contribute to its significance. Its adaptation of the Romanesque style to Galveston's subtropical marine climate, use of structural steel, and fine interior appointments make the Willis-Moody Mansion unique among Galveston residences surviving from the city's era of greatest affluence and one of the finest examples of this architectural style in the state. Therefore, the property is also eligible under Criterion C for Architecture at the state level.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

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.

architecture commerce
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
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