The history of the Hendley Building

The Hendley Building

The Hendley Building is a commercial icon of Galveston's historic Strand and Civil War Battleground. The Hendley Building is, also known as Hendley Row, constructed between 1855 and 1859. When this building was erected, 20th Street was considered the center line of the city.

This Greek revival-style building is the oldest brick structure on Strand. Looking at the front of the building from Strand, you will see that the structure is four separate units divided by granite blocks. When looking closely at the granite dividing blocks, you can see the initials of the original building owners carved into the granite.

The Hendley building was constructed to facilitate the rapidly expanding Koons Wharf and to be utilized as a shipping line headquarters between Galveston and New York City. Starting up a new shipping line was common in Galveston in the late 18 hundreds, as Galveston was the closest port to facilitate expansion to the American West.

Shortly after construction during the American Civil War, the Hendley Building played a significant role during the Battle of Galveston. In 1863, Galveston was a key port for Confederate supply lines. In October 1862, the Union Navy finally seized control of the Port of Galveston. On New Year's day of 1863, a joint effort between the Confederate Army and a makeshift confederate naval force attacked the union vessels in the harbor.

The Confederate army, led by General John Bankhead Magruder, utilized the Hendley building and other smaller buildings on 20th Street. The battle was initiated by the Confederacy in the early morning hours. The battle was short as the Union Navy was unprepared, and the Confederacy claimed Galveston again.

If you look closely at the 20th Street facing wall, you can spot Cannonball or shell damage on one of the pillars. Through the next century and a half, the Hendley building served its original purpose as a warehouse and office space for shipping lines. This historic building has also served as a home to liquor and produce distributors, office and retail space, private residences, and restaurants.

While standing on 20th Street between Harborside and Strand, remember that you are standing on a Civil War battleground. For historic resources or more information, check out the episode description.