League City Historic Homes & Century Old Oaks Map
Majestic Century Old Oaks have been registered and measured as Majestic Oaks include:
Location Address of Tree Points
219 E. Galveston St. 300
1150 Devereaux St. 295 (beyond map area)
528 S. Iowa St. 284
220 Houston Ave. 281
820 3rd St. 271
224 Dallas St. 270
721 2nd St. 265
701 Main 262
1004 4th St. 262
1612 E. Walker St. 260
708 E. Wilkins St. 253
713 2nd St. 249
1507 7th St. 241
110 Oak Creek Lane 238 (beyond map area)
720 3rd St. 236
1900 Louisiana 235 (beyond map area)
League Park, Walter Hall Park Ghiradi Park & Helen’s Garden all have century old live oak trees.
League City’s Victorian and Early 20th Century Architecture and Historic Sites
An illustrated walking/driving tour of historic homes & century old oaks
1. League Park. Park & Main Street. League Park was established in 1895. League's improvements to the site included oak trees for the landscaping and construction of a two-story bandstand, which was later rebuilt after the Great Storm of 1900. For many years League Park served as the center of the community's political, cultural, and recreational interests. Activities here included campaign speeches, medicine shows, revivals, and traveling shows. In the summers the League City Band held concerts while local ladies sold ice cream from the lower floor of the bandstand. During World War I League Park was the scene of Red Cross rallies and activities. In 1976 due to disrepair, local residents funded a new bandstand. See Texas Historical Marker onsite.
2. Railroad Section House (the Byrd House). Park & Second Street. This house was built around 1901 by the GH&H Railroad for the superintendent of the railroad section gang. The appliquéd sunbursts on the gables offer an outstanding example of architecture relating to the railroad industry. The home now serves as offices for the City of League City.
3. League City Pharmacy. 500 block of Second Street. Built in the late 1920’s of molded concrete bricks produced locally, the drug store faced Second Street. Dr. Patton had his office in the rear with a separate entrance. It now houses a church.
4. The Butler Building. 102 N. Michigan. In 1909, George Washington Butler witnessed the fulfillment of a dream—the completion of the “Brick Building” as town folk came to call it. Citizen’s State Bank, a grocery store, drug store, & professional offices were housed here. It was designed by local architect Nicholas J. Clayton. After falling into disrepair over the years, the property was recently renovated. Butler’s Courtyard, occupies the entire building and hosts beautiful weddings and events.
5. Schenk’s Bakery Site. 611 Second Street. The bakery was moved diagonally across the street, but the fragrance of fresh baked goods remains a memory. German immigrants, Mr. and Mrs. August Schenk, established a bakery here after the 1900 storm. Originally Schenk’s Bakery was located in Galveston. “The Rose Cottage” was moved in and now stands in this spot as a part of the Butler’s Courtyard facilities.
6. First Baptist Church / Faith Assembly of God. 700 Second Street. The first building on this property was also the First Baptist Church on the Galveston County mainland. It was dedicated in 1896. Faith Assembly of God is the present occupant of the site. See historical Marker onsite.
7. 714 Second Street. This is a good example of a typical ranch style house built in the early 1900 timeframe, which has been beautifully restored. Served as parsonage for the Baptist church?
8. T. J. Dick Home. 720 Second Street. In 1904, County Commissioner T. J. Dick built this residence primarily of cypress timbers. The steps and foundation blocks are the same granite as used in the Galveston Seawall. The hitching post at the front of the house was also used by the ladies for ease in dismounting carriages. It has been beautifully restored and now operates as a meeting facility.
8A. Captain Myer House. 721 3rd Street. This 1905 Queen Anne style home was built by the Dametz family from material collected after the 1900 storm. It was then purchased by A. G. Myer in 1926. A. G. Myer was a Merchant Marine Captain. In 2013 the home was moved from 802 Beaumont Street by the Peterson family to preserve it. Mrs. Peterson is the great granddaughter of Capt. and Mrs. Myer.
9. Scholes Home. 721 Second Street. Built in 1898 by Mr. Reifel, grandfather of Mrs. Walter G. Hall, this home was later sold to the Scholes family. Mrs. Scholes taught at the Little Green School House across the street - now the site of West Bay Common School Museum.
10. Clear Creek & Little Green School House Sites / West Bay Common School Children’s Museum. Kansas & Second Street. J. C. League gave this property to the town for a school and in 1894 built the Clear Creek School facing 2nd Street. The Great Storm of 1900 destroyed it so in 1901 an L-shaped wood frame structure called the Little Green School House was built. This was torn down in 1980 by the city. In late 1992 the League City Historical Society acquired the property and brought the West Bay Common School #13 from Chambers County to once again have an educational purpose for the site. On this same property is the Barn Museum which was the town’s first fire station and school district bus barn but now houses local artifacts. Originally on Second Street, the unique Salmon Ice House / Barbershop is also on the property, and was also used for several other businesses through the years. For tours call 281-554-2994.
11. King/Atkinson Home. 803 Second Street. In 1901, Herbert V. King, a local contractor, built this home of cypress and debris from the 1900 storm. Within are fine examples of Mr. King’s artistic craftsmanship.
12. Josh McFaddin Home. 924 Second Street. A rancher, the senior McFaddin built this home in 1900 of cypress timbers. The interior of the home showcases the original woodwork and trim. The present owners have restored it into a beautiful family home.
13. McMaster Home. 1010 Second Street. Martha McMaster, sister-in-law to George W. Butler, lived in this well constructed home. It served as a safe harbor for many during the storm of 1915. The home has undergone restoration.
14. Sneighr Home. 300 North Wisconsin. c. 1905. The house was constructed by J. A. Berwith on a 10-acre plot purchased from J. C. League in 1894. In the 1990’s the Charles Hall, Jr. family began a major restoration, which has been continued by the current owners. This lovely property is the site of many family celebrations.
15. McKee/Giessler Home. 1004 Third St. This home was built in 1898 by cattle rancher, George H. Giessler. After George’s death, Ettie sold the home to the Rakestraw’s who lived there for many years. H. A. McKee purchased the property in 1951. The home has had several major restorations and remains in the McKee family.
16. Medsger Home. 1015 Third Street. The original lines and simple detail of this two-story frame home remain intact today. The home has been completely refurbished.
17. Lighthouse Fellowship of Friends Church. 923 Third Street. Formerly the Methodist Church, it was a simple frame building which burned and was re-dedicated in this present structure in 1936. The current congregation has lovingly restored this historic church.
18. Perry McFaddin Home. 920 Third Street. C. 1909. Son of Josh McFaddin, Perry followed his father’s footsteps, becoming a rancher. Escaped convicts once hid in the attic of this home and the Methodist Church across the street. This home has been restored.
19. J.M. Parke Home. 820 Third Street. This 1907, Folk Victorian, two-story frame home with intersection pitched roof and fish scale shingles on the gables is an outstanding example of preservation. J.M. Parke worked for the railroad. This home was built by his brother R. L. Parke. During WWII, the house was divided into many rooms.
20. Dibrell/Coons Home. 720 Third Street. C. 1908. Built for Galveston County Judge Charles Dibrell, this double gallery home features two floors of wrap-around porches, which enhance its Victorian flavor. Current owners purchased this home in 1979 and renovated it during the 1980’s. The home is lovely throughout and has been featured in numerous magazines and home tours.
21. Ferrell Home. 620 Third Street. C. 1909. Traveling to League City for a honeymoon, Bertha and Jesse Ferrell decided to build their house here. The land surrounding the home boasted eighty orange trees but not a single shade tree, prompting Jesse to plant the oaks along this block. The present owners have restored and enhanced the property.
22. Carter/Crow Home. 615 Third Street. This cottage was built and occupied by Dr. Carter’s parents. Later, it became the home of Ezra and Luella Crow, who came to town in 1910 to open a drugstore. Luella Crow may have been the first woman pharmacist in Texas! Like many other homes in the area, the house has 2 front doors - one for the home and one for the business.
23. Carter/Patton Home. Third & Michigan. Built by Dr. Carter in 1904, this two-story frame structure offered a beautiful open porch along the front and sides. The Carter family occupied the first floor; the second floor was used as an infirmary and over time a mortuary. In 1918, Dr. Patton bought the home for their family residence. Note: The next 3 locations (805, 807 and 813 Third Street) were purchased from J. C. League in 1908 for his daughters. In later years, the three daughters lived in homes built on these lots. Through the years, the properties have been restored by successive owners.
24. Pearl’s Cottage. 805 Third. Pearl Dick received this lot as a gift in 1946. In September 1950, she and her husband started building this cottage. It has been restored and is typical of the ones built in that era. They are sturdy, well built little houses that have withstood many hurricanes and safely shelter their owners. This particular home is owned by a local shop owner and her family.
25. Hockenberry Home. 807 Third. This home is known to the neighborhood as this because they purchased it and lived there for many years. It is the idealized prototype of the League City National Folk style homes in our area. Current owners have completed restoration.
26. 813 Third. This cute little cottage was built in the 1950’s. It has undergone extensive renovations. It’s current owners have added a sun room and pool. The added landscaping features have enhanced the friendly and welcoming neighborhood.
27. Fig Preserving Plant. 495 Coryell. Located next to the GH&H Railroad, the property was purchased in 1923 from the League Estate for construction of a fig preserving plant. Operating from 1923 until 1954, it employed as many as 100 people. In later years it was used as a youth center. In 1994, it was purchased by Dennis and Judy Ruhl who had fond memories of activities and fun times they had as teen-agers at the site. Using original materials, the Ruhl’s converted the interior to a private residence and small business.
28. League City Methodist Church Parsonage. 612 Fourth Street. This cottage-style home was built around 1900, moved to its present location in 1947, and restored in the 1980’s. This home has many original features such as the Southern Pine floors and original clawfoot tub.
29. Snell/Kilgore Home. 403 North Kansas. T. M. Snell, owner of a local grocery, built this home, and later sold it to the T. A. Kilgore family, who started a hardware and lumber store. The overhanging eaves and cross ventilation helped keep this house cool before air conditioning. This is one of the few Craftsman Bungalow style homes remaining in League City.
30. Dow Home. 320 North Kansas. c. 1910-1912. This Queen Anne style, one-and-a-half story frame home is enhanced by a turret. It was once the residence of local grocer T. M. Snell. Two movies were made at this location. (“A Tigers Tale” starring Ann-Margret in 1987, and “Hope”, directed by Goldie Hawn, 1997.) Townspeople gathered daily to watch the filming and meet the stars.
31. Fairview Cemetery. 901 N. Kansas Avenue between 7th Street & Clear Creek. c. 1900. See Texas Historical Marker onsite. A. W. Snider and J. H. Lynch began the Fairview Cemetery Association after purchasing the property along the creek. “Ghosts of the Past” has taken place here over the years where thespians, dressed in costume, portray wellknown settlers, and other deceased persons of distinction during the tour. A large Japanese section near Kansas Avenue portrays the Japanese rice farmers, sent by the Emperor over a century ago, to find new sources of food for their nation. Veterans from the Civil War, WWI and II as well as Vietnam and Korea are buried here.
32. Hayes Home. 1004 Fourth Street. Built by a local rancher, John E. Hayes, for his bride, Maggie. The house was originally a typical 1900’s cottage, with a dog-trot down the middle and three fireplaces. The cupola was restored when the house was renovated in the 1990’s.
33. Walter & Helen Hall Home / Butler Longhorn Museum / Ghiradi Italian Farm Home. 1220 Coryell. Once a modest 5-room cottage built by J. A. Berwith, the house has been enlarged three times and raised. Barbecues honoring Volunteer Firemen throughout the Bay Area were held in the Rose Garden for more than 30 years. After the death of Mr. Hall, the City of League City purchased the estate. The museum focuses on the rich history of the Longhorn cattle industry in our area. The Ghiradi Home is a good example of the homes built by the Italian farmers when they settled in League City in the late 1800’s and is now a museum.
34. Parker Home. 820 East Main. This house was built in 1909 and was once owned by rancher Ralph Parker.
35. Friends Parsonage. 814 East Main. c. 1909. Church services were once held in this building, which was owned by the Friends Quarterly Meeting of the Friends Church. It also served as the parsonage for many years.
36. Farrow Home. 821 E. Main. c. 1909. This early 20th century frame vernacular one-story pitched roof home has fish scale embellishment on the front gable and balustrade. It has remained in the Farrow family since it was built in 1909.
37. Butler Ranch / Helen’s Garden. 701 East Main. The remaining 1.7 acres of the original 35-acre tract purchased in 1875 for George Washington Butler’s ranch headquarters was developed into a garden in 1994 by Walter G. Hall in memory of his wife. The large oak trees in the garden were planted in 1909 like most of the large oaks in town. Currently a City park available for weddings and groups.
38. St. Mary Catholic Church. 620 East Main. This simple Gothic Revival style church was built in 1910. Bolts, rather than nails were used to assemble the rafters. Records show Mr. League gave the land at corner of Main and Colorado for the construction of a church at the same time as he donated land for League Park and built the Clear Creek Schoolhouse, ensuring residents places to worship, learn and play. See Texas State Marker.
39. Scott House. 104 N. Michigan. Located on the northeast corner of East Main and North Michigan Streets. This property was carefully restored and is now Schroeder’s Book Haven, carrying rare books and volumes with a Texana flavor.
40. Stewart Home. Corner of East Main and Park St. Built in 1886 by Henry Platzer, of North Carolina possibly of dunnage from old sail boats. The building was moved from its original site at Texas and East Main to its present location in Founders Square, 501 East Main, #1.
41. Dr. Leander W. Dallas Home. 210 East Wilkins. c. 1911. This 2-story, 10-room Queen Anne style house with hipped-roof and wrap-around porch was built for Jacob and Ann Ingle of cypress by local craftsman, R.L. Parke. The house has had numerous owners, including Dr. Leander W. Dallas, local physician and county coroner, who purchased it for his home and clinic in 1928.
42. Johnson/Lothrop Home. 1512 E. Walker. c. 1895. Built by Mr. Smithson at 1425 East Main for Asa and Tabitha Lynch. It transferred through marriage (Margaret “Lynch” Johnson) to the Johnson family. In 1956 the home was moved straight back, across the prairie to its present location on Walker Street where the Lothrop family purchased it to raise their 7 children. It was restored in 2010 by the urrent owners.
43. Cox/McQuirk Home. 1518 East Walker. c. 1901. Arlendo and Julia Vashti Cox, Quaker fruit farmers built this cross-gable house after the 1900 hurricane on 18 acres purchased from J. C. League in 1896. They used salvaged lumber from the storm for most of the construction. The property was sold in 1908 to Richard E. McQuirk, a railway agent for the GH&H Railroad. After Katie McQuirk’s death in 1969, the property changed hands twice more before the current owners worked extensively to restore it.
44. R. L. Parke Home. 219 South Kansas. c. 1910. Robert L. Parke built this home for his new wife Cleo. Mr. Parke was a contractor and built several homes in the historic area. His wife survived the 1900 storm in Galveston. She was very active in the local PTA . The home has stayed in the Parke family all these years. An heir has recently restored the lovely two-story home.
45. Walker Home. 822 Lewis. c. 1937. Three generations of Walker families lived in this six room house constructed by R. L. Parke, for Chester and Ruby Gem Walker. The house was sold in 1996, and has been restored by the new owners.
46. Galveston County Poor Farm. Highway 3. The Poor Farm was established in 1887 by the Commissioners Court to house and care for the county’s indigent residents. Colonel George Washington Butler, County Commissioner, served on the site selection committee. The first building was designed by Galveston architect Nicholas J. Clayton. The county closed the farm in 1913, sold off some of the land, and dedicated the remaining 78 acres as a county park in 1928. The name was changed to Walter Hall Park in 1985.
47. Milby Butler Home. 1908 Carolina. This was the ranch home of Milby Butler, son of George Washington Butler, who became a cattle rancher and breeder of Longhorn cattle. Milby and his wife, Ceole, reared their children in this house on Calder Road. After their deaths it was moved to its current location, and fell into disrepair. The current owners have restored its original beauty, retaining the original layout and refinishing the original floors.
48. Magnolia Creek Cemetery. Apple Lane. Rustic Oaks subdivision. The oldest cemetery in League City traces its origins to four ranching families that arrived in the area in 1855: The Perkins, Butlers, Cowards, and Smalley’s. They & their descendants account for most of the people buried here, including four veterans of the Civil War. The first recorded burial was that of Samuel J. Perkins in 1859. During the 1870’s and the 1880’s, George Washington Butler arranged to have several family members interred in the cemetery grounds. Butler’s prominence in the community and burial there in 1921 are believed to have led many local citizens to refer to this graveyard as the Butler Cemetery
Over 30 League City homes have been honored and presented with the League City Landmark Medallion.