1888 in Galveston, TX

8/5/25 12 Comments

Details on OHD may be outdated. Verify using the link references below.
As of 8/5/25, this home was for sale.

$995,000

1116 Church St, Galveston, TX 77550

Welcome to the 1888 James S. Waters House: a rare historic gem with only one transfer of ownership outside the Waters' Family during its 137-year history. Situated on more than 2 lots in East End Historic District, the original carriage stepping stone comprised of solid Texas Pink granite, the wrought iron gate & cut stone pathway leading into the home provide a glimpse of the rich history & elegance that can be discovered throughout. Inside,this exquisite home features 6 fireplaces,a library, modern chef's kitchen & countless Victorian architectural details including pocket doors, transit windows, built in locking cabinetry, original stained glass & curved windows. Intricate woodwork from a bygone era shines throughout, epically in the library & hallways. Step back in time though the working windowed doors that open onto charming & inviting porches on both the north and south side. Blending timeless elegance w/modern comfort you do not find a historical home like this available often.

4 Bed ∙ 2.5 Bath ∙ 3,301 Sq Ft ∙ 0.26 Ac.

Listed With

Tara Anderson
Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan
713-202-4101

Reference Links

Street Map | Aerial Map
Realtor.com | Redfin | Zillow

James Waters was just 20 when he and his family moved from New Orleans to Galveston in 1872. He found work clerking for cotton brokers and later partnered with another businessman to start the Mason & Waters Fire and Marine Insurance Agency.

…The house was designed in the Victorian style by Henry Collier Cooke of the firm Bourgeois Nitchner & Cooke. Curved porches and the inset front entrance were popular architectural elements in Galveston at the time. The house also featured a roof tower that was removed in the mid-20th century due to roof drainage issues and restored in 2018 based on historic photos. An eastern addition to the house was built in 1899 to accommodate the growing Waters family.

James Waters died in 1923 and Violet Waters continued to live there with her two younger sons. In ime, the youngest married and moved out but William Waters and his wife, Haydee stayed and cared for Violet until she died in 19?5.) William and Haydee Waters had two children, William Jr. and Haydee.

After William Sr.’s death, his widow, Haydee, lived in the house with her son William Jr. until Hurricane Ike in 2008 The property remained in the Waters family until 2014. After which it was lovingly restored by the current owner. The Waters House remains one of the best examples of Victorian architecture in Galveston’s East End.

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