Menard House - Galveston, Texas
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 29° 17.491 W 094° 48.105
15R E 324989 N 3241630
Historic house in Galveston, Texas.
Waymark Code: WM8FZN
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 03/28/2010
Views: 6
The MENARD HOUSE , is on the SW. corner of Ave. N and 33d St. Michel B. Menard, of French descent, came to Texas as a fur trader, prospered in land deals, and organized the Galveston City Company. In 1838 he had white pine and four fluted Ionic columns shipped to him from Maine in sailing vessels, built a two-story house of Greek Revival design, and named it The Oaks. The mortised walls and joists set in white lead have withstood the weathering of more than a century. The ells and the two rooms at the back were added at a later date, and the interior has been remodeled. Civic groups bought the house in 1937, to preserve it as a memorial to the city's founder. Until Menard's death in 1856 The Oaks was widely known for hospitality and social gatherings, among these the first local Mardi Gras celebration, in 1853. - Texas: Guide to the Lone Star State, Galveston section, pg. 284.
The Menard House was listed on the Nation Register of Historic Places in 1976. It is operated as a house museum and for special event. It has been restored and is now well maintained.