This article on the historic Fulton Mansion was originally posted in January 2019, after Hurricane Harvey hit in 2017. This is an update on its amazing recovery in Rockport, Texas.
Fulton Mansion
The imposing Fulton Mansion has survived eight hurricanes—the most recent being Hurricane Harvey on August 25, 2017. That catastrophic storm resulted in the complete destruction of the mansion’s flat metal roof and chimneys. The “iconic coastal Victorian mansion, suffered major water damage to interior collections, carpets, and plaster walls,” according to the Texas Historical Commission.
Within three months, however, the grounds were “cleaned up, oak trees trimmed, and the dead palm trees removed.” With help from the Friends of Fulton Mansion, the Education and History Center reopened in November 2017. By March of the following year, the Mansion was featuring self-guided “hard hat tours.”
Today, five years after Hurricane Harvey, the site is open six days a week. Visitors view “interior gas lighting, flush-toilets, and other refinements (that) were progressive and luxurious elements for this part of Texas history,” according to mansion officials.
“Oakhurst”
Originally called Oakhurst, the house was surrounded on three sides by stately live oaks. Back in 1877 there was nothing like it on the Texas Coastal Plains.
It was built for George Ware Fulton (1810-1893) and his wife, Harriet Smith Fulton (1823-1910), who were married in 1840. It sits just across the road from Aransas Bay. The 2.7-acre site is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Part of its historical significance lies in its classic French Second Empire architectural style, says the Texas Historical Commission. To explore “the natural, cultural, and historical treasures in the unique and vibrant southern tip of Texas” go to Texas Tropical Trail Region.
Start your mansion visit at the Education and History Center with interactive exhibits about the Fulton family. Allow about an hour for the self-guided tour.
If you go
Fulton Mansion
317 Fulton Beach Road
Rockport, TX 78382
Phone: 361-729-0386
URL: visitfultonmansion.com
Admission: Adults-$7, Seniors & Veterans-$6, Children & College Students-$4, Active Military-free.
Saturday, May 7, 2022 – Free Admission to all Texas Historical Commission State Historic Sites.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday: 1-4 p.m.
Directions:
From State Highway 35, turn east on Henderson Street and travel approximately 7 blocks.
GPS: N28° 3′ 25″ W97° 2′ 7.4″
This historic site is located about 30 miles northeast of Corpus Christi. It is a perfect RV Short Stop for Winter Texan snowbirds or for Texas families on a weekend trip to the Gulf Coast.
— Julianne G. Crane
To read other RV Short Stops, click here.
For more RV lifestyle articles by Julianne G. Crane, go to RVWheelLife.com.
##RVT1050
The Fulton Mansion is a fantastic visit. We have been there numerous times, both before and after hurricane Harvey. This article barely touches the surface of its greatness. The mansion incorporates a lot of unique and innovative construction processes. It was miles a head of its time and includes a basement, which is unheard of on the Texas coast. It had fallen on disrepair and has been brought back to it’s original form. It was even a campground/trailer park at one time. I highly recommend a guided tour to catch up on the history and innovation involved with the mansion!
Primo Rudy’s Roadhouse —
You are absolutely right. Fulton Mansion is an amazing, historical place and the # 1 tourist destination in Rockport-Fulton. The people in this area have every right to be proud of what it has accomplished with its restoration.
I guess the builder never heard of hurricanes.
It was damaged once. It will happen again.
No worries, we have insurance.
Kinda like only 2 things are certain, death and taxes. Add HURRICANES.