One of League City's early residents, Milby Butler, was John Wayne's character model and inspiration for the iconic American Cowboy. Learn more fun facts on this mural in League Park.
The Station Master's House
At the heart of the Historic District stands the iconic blue-gray Station Master’s house, built in the late 1800s as a home for the railroad superintendent. The home is a beautiful example of 19th century Folk Victorian architecture. Today, the home serves as a café and visitors center, but its location—just yards away from the old GH&H Railroad—harkens back to a time when railroads were the lifeblood of America. The GH&H Railroad, also known as the “Old Reliable Short Line,” was the first rail line to connect the island of Galveston to the Texas mainland. The station in League Park welcomed passengers to a bustling city center that was quickly becoming an important ranching and farming town. Though the park no longer greets train passengers, it remains a center of activity in League City, where visitors and residents enjoy events and celebrations all year long.
League City Historical Society is headquarters for the Country School Association of America. Over 100,000 children have experienced this unique, hands-on history program showing what a day was like in the late 1800s for students in the one room school house. Call ahead to book your lesson or set up a tour 281-554-2994.
Mark your calendars for a free, family-friendly concert. Music Under The Oaks takes place monthly, on the last Friday from 7-10 p.m. in League Park.
All aboard for a picture stop! This red caboose in League Park marks the site where the train depot once stood. Walter Hall, another significant contributor to the city's history, has your ticket for a fun photo opp.
LeagueCity
Historic District Guide
explore old league city sites, shops, and eateries
League Park Gazebo Originally a two-story bandstand, it featured an elevated a bandstand and place to sell ice cream & refreshments on the ground level. The current onestory gazebo was constructed in 1976 in celebration of America’s bicentennial.
Craving something healthy, organic, and gluten-free? Sip on a smoothie from the Natural Living Organic Food Co-op & Cafe.
Ready to shop? The Historic District offers plenty of fabulous options, including The Salted Hippie, just named Houston's Best Boutique by The Houston Chronicle.
Treat time! According to Texas Highways Magazine, Kahuna Joe's is "arguably the best Hawaiian Shave Ice in Texas."
Welcome
League City’s Historic District showcases the city's authentically Texan roots, distinct southern flair, and iconic live oak trees. Historic homes and buildings are scattered throughout the district, along with gardens, parks, boutiques, and restaurants.
Local Tidbits and Tips For Visitors
League City Historic District Map
on the banks of Clear Creek off N. Kansas St, the cemetery was once an important gathering place for local citizens, and a popular spot for picnics. Tombstones date back to 1900 and include Civil War Union and Confederate veterans.
1. League Park
Established in 1895, League Park was gifted to the city by JC League when he set out to create "the perfect city."
League donated land to ensure residents had a place to worship, learn, and play.
This beautiful park has been a local gathering place for events like concerts, festivals, parties, and more for over 120 years.
2. JC League Bronze Statue
League Park features a bronze statue of founder JC League and other art including painted murals and a railroad conductor sculpture carved from an original century-old oak tree.
3. Station Master House
10. League City Historical Society
LCHS hosts special events and offers live history programs–including experiencing early 1900s education in a one-room schoolhouse. The One Room School House marks the site of the city's first school house on the land JC League donated for education. Visitors can also check out the Historical Society's preservation efforts of the Salmon Ice House/Barbershop and Barn Museum.
11. TJ and Mary Lelia Dick House
butler ranch headquarters location
Helen's Garden sits on the remaining 1.7 acres of Butler Ranch, established in 1875 by George Washington Butler. Herds of as many as 25,000 cattle roamed the open range from the railroad to Galveston Bay. Thanks to the ranch's railroad access the cattle business grew rapidly, and Butler was known as the most successful rancher in the area. Cowboys drove cattle from Galveston County to Kansas railheads along the Chisholm Trail. Texas Longhorns are here today because of Butler Ranch in League City. The iconic longhorn almost went extinct in the early 1900s. In the 1930s, Milby Butler worked to perfect their corkscrew-shaped horns and red and white color patterning, referred to as "Butler color," through breeding efforts. The Butler Texas Longhorn was a type of Longhorn all its own.
This historic home was built by the GH&H Railroad in the late 1800s to provide living quarters for the Railroad Superintendent. In front of the Station Master house, the red caboose now marks the location of the train depot.
4. The Butler Building
Built in 1909 with brick and originally with two-stories, the Butler Building contained several businesses including the city's first bank, a post office, café, hardware store, drug store, and apartments. The antique appeal of this historic building provides a stunning backdrop for special events and weddings at Butler's Courtyard. Visitors can step back in time inside the building's original impressively large bank vault.
5. First Baptist Church Site
Dedicated in 1887, this was the site of the first Baptist mission organized in Galveston County. It was known as the Clear Creek Baptist Church because baptisms took place in Clear Creek. The original building was destroyed in the 1900 storm.
6. Scott House
The restored historic home now serves as Schroeder's Book Haven, specializing in rare finds and Texas collections.
7. St. Mary’s Mission Church
This simple Gothic Revival style church was built here in 1910 on the land JC League donated specifically for the construction of a church. It was the 2nd Parish Church dedicated in Galveston County.
8. Founder's Square Shoppes
The Shoppes in Founder’s Square are a collection of historic homes transformed into charming boutiques. Visitors can browse for unique local gift items, gourmet treats and coffees, jewelry, clothing, and more.
9. Helen’s Garden
This beautiful garden was developed by Walter Hall in memory of his wife, Helen, in 1994. Helen Hall was the city’s first female postmaster, helped establish the city’s first library, and was a charter member of the League City Garden Club. The garden is perfect for a garden stroll and a top location for photos.
This house was built in 1904 for TJ Dick, a County Commissioner known for his role in building the Galveston Seawall and the 1912 causeway. The house was constructed of cypress timber, but the stone steps and foundation blocks are the same granite used in the Galveston Seawall. The original hitching post stands out front as a gentle reminder of days of carriages and horses. The house has been beautifully restored and now operates as Lelia's Southern Settings, a special event venue.
12. Ferrell Home
After honeymooning in League City, Bertha and Jesse Ferrell fell in love with the area and built this house in 1909. The land surrounding the home boasted 80 orange trees but lacked shade trees. To add shade and further enhance his property's landscape, Jesse planted the lovely oaks along this block.
13. Dibrell/Coons Home Built in 1908, the Dibrell/Coons Home is a historic two-story Victorian residence. Charles Dibrell served as the Station Master in League City before becoming a County Judge. When Dibrell moved to Galveston to practice law, he sold the home to the Coons family. The large oak in the front yard was planted by the Coons' son who lost his life in WWII. The renovation efforts of this house inspired others and spearheaded the creation of League City's Historic District.
