The Galveston Historic Homes Tour returns for its 51st year in May, featuring private residences that survived the 1900 hurricane and 1885 fire.
Next month marks the return of Galveston’s Historic Homes Tour for its 51st year, providing visitors with a unique chance to explore some of the island’s most renowned residences — each a testament to the city’s resilience against its most catastrophic events.
This year’s tour, organized by the Galveston Historical Foundation, serves as a celebration of architectural heritage and a tribute to resilience, showcasing homes that withstood the devastating 1900 hurricane and the Great Fire of 1885.
The event is scheduled for the first two weekends of May, specifically on May 3–4 and May 10–11, running daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“This year’s Homes Tour transcends a mere celebration of Galveston’s remarkable architecture; it stands as a tribute to the city’s resilience,” stated Will Wright, chief creative officer of the Galveston Historical Foundation. “This year, we commemorate 125 years since the Great Storm of 1900 and 140 years since the Great Fire of 1885. The homes featured on this year’s tour serve as a testament to the generations who have worked tirelessly to rebuild, restore, and preserve the rich history of Galveston.”
The 1899 Felix and Eva Mistrot House, located at 1804 35th Street, is among the highlighted properties. This historic site temporarily functioned as a hospital for West End residents following the 1900 storm and was subsequently raised during Galveston’s extensive grade-raising initiative.
The tour pays tribute to homes that have withstood historical adversities, yet it comes at a time marked by a recent tragedy. The George Ball House, a well-known attraction for tours in 1977, was tragically consumed by fire last weekend. Tragically, one of the homeowners succumbed to complications arising from the fire. This year’s lineup did not include the house.
Tickets can be purchased online for $45 until May 1, with a price increase to $50 thereafter. Additional details, along with a compilation of highlighted properties, can be found on the Galveston Historical Foundation’s official website.
