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A Must See Victorian Beauty: Bishop’s Palace In Galveston

September 11th, 2011

Situated on the corner of Broadway and 14th Street in Galveston, the castle-like towers and Victorian detailing of the Bishop-s Palace are difficult to miss. This historic structure, built for railroad and steel baron Walter Gresham between 1887 and 1892, is an impressive monument to late 19th century decadence and wealth. Though the ornate stone and wrought iron ornamentation that cover the exterior of the house are note-worthy by themselves, the hour-long tour that takes you through much of the interior of the house is well worth your time. Inside, the rooms are filled with many treasures, including the grand staircase made from rare mahogany, decorative carvings and an abundance of stained-glass windows. While marveling at the impressive surroundings, you can learn about the long history of the house, which became home to the local bishop after the Gresham family moved away in the late 1920s. From this period in the house-s history, you will be able to see a bedroom artfully converted into a private chapel, a wood-paneled library and numerous Catholic artifacts. After your tour, don-t forget to stop by the gift shop, which boasts an informative array of books on local and Texas history and Victorian-themed memorabilia.

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