Maurice J. Sullivan
Historical marker location:MAURICE J. SULLIVAN, SON OF MAURICE AND MARGARET (FITZSIMONS) SULLIVAN, WAS BORN IN GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN. HE ATTENDED DETROIT COLLEGE (1901-1903) AND STUDIED STRUCTURAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN (1904-1906). WHILE WORKING AT ENGINEERING FIRMS FROM 1909-1912, SULLIVAN TAUGHT HIMSELF ARCHITECTURE. HE MARRIED ANNE WINSTON AND THEY HAD FOUR SONS AND THREE DAUGHTERS.
AFTER MOVING TO HOUSTON IN 1912, SULLIVAN WAS APPOINTED CITY ARCHITECT BY MAYOR H. BALDWIN RICE AND TOOK ON NUMEROUS PROJECTS, INCLUDING DORA B. LANTRIP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (1916). KNOWN FOR BEING AN ECLECTIC ARCHITECT WHO FREQUENTLY WORKED IN POPULAR REVIVAL STYLES INCLUDING ROMANESQUE, MEDITERRANEAN, AND NEO-GOTHIC, SULLIVAN OPENED HIS OWN PRACTICE IN 1919, SHARING AN OFFICE WITH BIRDSALL P. BRISCOE FOR 35 YEARS. HIS ECCLESIASTICAL WORK IS CONSIDERED HIS MOST SIGNIFICANT AND INCLUDES THE VILLA DE MATEL CHAPEL (1923-28), HOLY ROSARY CHURCH (1933), ST. ANNE CATHOLIC CHURCH (1940) AND FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (1949). OTHER PROMINENT BUILDINGS INCLUDE THE PETROLEUM BUILDING (NOW THE GREAT SOUTHWEST BUILDING), WHICH INTRODUCED THE STEPPED-BACK SKYSCRAPER TO HOUSTON, HOUSTON NEGRO HOSPITAL (NOW RIVERSIDE HOSPITAL), ST. THOMAS HIGH SCHOOL, RIPLEY HOUSE, AND ST. MARY’S SEMINARY.
IN 1922, SULLIVAN DESIGNED HIS FAMILY HOME AT THE CORNER OF SOUTHMORE BOULEVARD AND FANNIN STREET IN THE PICTURESQUE MANORIAL STYLE, EXEMPLIFYING THE HOUSES ASSOCIATED WITH 1920s AND 1930s ELITE TEXAS RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS. IN 1924 AND 1933, HE SERVED AS PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTH TEXAS CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS. SULLIVAN IS BURIED IN HOLY CROSS CEMETERY. IN 1992 PRIVATE CITIZENS PURCHASED THE HOME FOR USE AS A COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Harris County experienced rapid economic diversification and growth. The discovery of oil in the Spindletop field fueled Houston's emergence as an energy and petrochemical hub. Industries like cotton, lumber, shipping, and manufacturing thrived. NASA's Johnson Space Center further solidified the county's significance in space exploration and technology.
Harris County's demographic diversity is a defining aspect, attracting immigrants from various backgrounds. Houston became a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant culinary scene, dynamic arts community, and diverse festivals, reflecting its multicultural fabric.
Today, Harris County remains an influential economic and cultural center. Its strong economy spans energy, healthcare, technology, and international trade. The county houses renowned medical facilities and research institutions. Despite facing natural disasters, Harris County showcases resilience and implements measures to mitigate their impact.
With its rich history, economic vitality, multiculturalism, and ongoing growth, Harris County continues to shape Texas as a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and innovation.
Harris County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Harris County, Texas.
Pre-19th Century: The region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Atakapa.
1822: Harrisburg, the county's first settlement, is founded by John Richardson Harris, a pioneer and one of the early Texas colonists.
1836: The Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas independence from Mexico, took place in present-day Harris County.
1837: Harris County is officially established and named after John Richardson Harris.
19th Century: Houston, the county seat and the largest city in Texas, experiences rapid growth due to its strategic location along Buffalo Bayou and the construction of railroads. The city becomes a major commercial and shipping hub, attracting industries such as cotton, lumber, and oil.
20th Century: The discovery of oil in the nearby Spindletop field and the subsequent growth of the oil industry greatly contribute to Harris County's economic development. Houston becomes an energy and petrochemical center.
1960s-1980s: The space industry plays a crucial role in Harris County's history with the establishment of NASA's Johnson Space Center, where mission control for the Apollo program is located.
Today: Harris County continues to be a thriving economic and cultural center. It is home to a diverse population, numerous industries, world-class medical facilities, and renowned cultural institutions.