The Menard House is the oldest surviving structure in Galveston, Texas. Built in 1838 by Michel Branamour Menard, the Greek Revival home was fabricated, shipped from Maine in parts, then reassembled. This was a common and economical practice as both carpenters and cargo space was plentiful at the time. Menard was a Canadian-born trader and merchant and co-founded Galveston after arranging the purchase of land on Galveston Island from the Republic of Texas in 1836. Born in 180

Ashton Villa was the first brick mansion in Galveston and one of the first brick homes to be built in the state of Texas. The brick walls are thirteen inches thick to keep out the Gulf Coast humidity and provide strength. There are coal burning fireplaces in every room, two indoor bathrooms, and in 1859 the home glowed at night with gas chandeliers. No expense was spared for this grand mansion in its grand town. Ashton Villa was the center of the Galveston social scene includ