Galveston Central Island Neighborhood

This historic detached home, the oldest on the island, is a popular venue for wedding receptions—once you enter you’ll see why. Constructed in 1838, Menard House is stunning both inside and out, designed in the Greek Revival style. Named for its first owner, Michel B. Menard, a Canadian-born trader and one of the founders of Galveston, the interior houses furniture dating to the first half of the 19th century. Outside, stroll under tall oak trees and soak in the surroundings on the inviting porch.

Originally built as a “garden club” for a group of German businessmen (hence the spelling), the Garten Verein House now hosts weddings and other events. Set in the greenery of Kempner Park, the historic home offers a lovely setting with its octagonal wood pavilion. The two-tiered dancing pavilion is one of the only structures that survived the 1990 storm, but it did require an extensive rebuild.

Occupying six city blocks in Midtown, along the south side of Broadway Avenue between 40th and 43rd Streets, the Broadway Cemetery Historic District contains seven separate cemeteries. The burial grounds, plotted between 1839 and 1939, are said to be haunted by several ghosts. It’s the resting place of many well-known residents such as Galveston’s first Mayor, John M. Allen, who is commemorated with a historical marker at Episcopal Cemetery.

The richness of this island's history goes well beyond celebrating Emancipation. From being home to the first African American high school and public library in Texas to being the hometown of World Heavyweight Champ Jack Johnson, Galveston has long fought to preserve the knowledge of African American accomplishments and heritage on the island, holding dear the many historic sites and monuments that live on to tell the story in Galveston's midtown.