Pasadena and Galveston Ramblings

It took a visit to family in Pasadena with my mom and sister. While there, we saw wonderful things in Pasadena and Galveston that the area has to offer. Family settled in the area so most of our visit was focused on kinfolk. But we made time for a bit of touring.

My sister found an air B&B for our stay so the three of us settled into the house. With each of us in our own rooms we had plenty of space for our weeklong stay. What fun it is to tour with family!

Hiking!

My sister Debbie having traveled this direction before knew a great place to hike in the mornings, the Armand Bayou Hike and Bike Trail. We set out one morning for a nice walk, soon we were overtaken by runners and bikers, since we were not the fastest at the park. We enjoyed the beautiful stroll. I was grateful for this opportunity to spend more time with my sister.

The Republic of Texas

I’ve been to the Alamo. I knew the devastating history there. Thankfully the story doesn’t end there. The San Jacinto Battle Monument and Museum shares the story of how Anglo colonists eventually freed themselves from Santa Anna’s dictatorship. First welcomed as pioneers, later the settlers were under persecution when the political environment changed. After President Antonios Santa Anna established a dictatorship, he abolished the constitution. Anglo and non-Anglo residents became frustrated and took up arms.

Sam Houston led the troops to their final victory in 1836. Texans declared victory. They established their state as the Republic of Texas. Mexico did not recognize the new Republic. It would not be until the US annexed Texas in 1845, that Texas officially became part of the US. That annexation prompted the Mexican American War. In 1848, at the end of the War, Mexico finally recognized the loss of Texas territory.

The San Jacinto Battle Monument and Museum was built near the site of the battlefield. The monument is an obelisk that points to the sky. Sadly, the elevators were not running the day we were there. What a view that would have been!

The San Jacinto Monument was constructed between April 21, 1936, and April 21, 1939. The Monument is the tallest masonry column in the world.

The Monument and museum were established to honor those who fought here in 1836. But it has a dual purpose, to re-visualize the history of Texas and the Spanish Southwest. In the about section, the website states, “It was created as a steward of history, and to promote friendship between Texas, Mexico, Spain, France and Latin America.”

Monument Details

I was astounded to learn the monument is more than 12 feet taller that the Washington Monument. It weights approximately 70 million pounds. On top of the monument is the Lone Star State. The star is 34 feet tall. It weighs approximately 220 tons. The Monument is faced with Texas Cordova shellstone. Carvings show stories of the history of the Republic of Texas. The carvings were designed by William McVey. If you get a chance to visit this lovely site, take the time! Listen to the film narrated by a famous actor! There is also a Memorial Park that provides more history as well

Galveston oh Galveston!

My family I am sure got tired of hearing me sing a really bad version of Glen Campbell’s beautiful song. For years I have longed to visit this Gulf Coast town. We visited, the only downside was the weather that would soon catch up with us, drenching our travel plans.

First though, we were able to make a few monumental stops. The first was the one my hairdresser Jeff Engels of Engles on Edwards said not to miss, the Bishop’s Palace!

Bishop’s Palace

Jeff was so right, this was magnificent! The home began life as the Gresham Mansion, a building made all of stone. Walter Gresham was a lawyer and politician and he and his wife Josephine raised nine children in the home. The building proved sturdy enough to withstand the hurricane of 1900. With the deluge that was to come, we got the picture! The home was built between 1887 and 1893. The builder was Galveston architect Nicolas J. Clayton.  

Across the street is the beautiful Sacred Heart Church and the view of the church is lovely from the 2nd story. The house was sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston in 1923. Bishop Christopher E. Byrne lived in the home with his sisters.

The diocesan offices were moved to Houston, and the mansion opened the mansion to the public in 1963 today the house is owned by the Galveston Historical Foundation. We had headphones during the tour and the house was being decorated for Christmas which made it even more special. Be sure to watch the film to learn the story of the home!

The Moody Mansion, Galveston history.

When we bought our tickets to the Bishop’s Palace, we were able to get a deal on tickets also to the lovely Moody Mansion. There are several historic homes worth seeing in this historic city, we just chose these two!

The Moody Mansion was built by Galveston architect William Tyndall. It is around the same period as the Bishop’s Palace being built between 1893 and 1895. The home was originally built for Mrs. Richard S. Willis. She was the widow of grocery merchant Richard Willis, and she lived here until she died in 1899. 

The home was then purchased by Willaim L. Moody Jr. He lived here until his death in 1954, then his daughter Mary Moody Northern was in the home until 1983. Following her wishes, the mansion was restored and is a memorial to her family and a museum for Galveston.

There is also a building with beautiful automobiles and a film with family history that should not be missed!

More Galveston and Pasadena

Leaving the Moody Mansion, the rain began. We found our way to the delightful Sunflower Bakery & Cafe where we split fish & chips. Our server told us that everything was made from scratch, and I believe it. we drove down by the seawall and saw the ocean and water splashing in the pouring rain. It makes me want to come back during sunshine! The shops had only a few open, so that too was a need to do again.

While in Pasadena, Debbie had told us about wonderful kolaches so one morning we brought some back to the Air B&B. Her favorite was a restaurant called Morning Kolaches. What fun .

We also tried a street taco truck which was great fun.

Best of all was spending time with family and catching up! We visited, and in the meantime rambled through history in Pasadena and Galveston.