League-Kempner House

Independence Trail Region
1702 Broadway Galveston, 77550 (409) 248-1893
Website

The 1893 League-Kempner House is one of five remaining Broadway Beauties in Galveston and was the residence of two of Galveston's leading families. The house was designed by noted Texas architect Nicholas Clayton for real estate investor and businessman J.C. League and his wife, Nellie Ball League. After League's death in 1916, the house was purchased by Eliza Kempner, the matriarch of the Kempner clan. In 1920, she commissioned architect Birdsall Briscoe to design an addition to accommodate her large family. The addition did not alter the original footprint and the house is estimated to remain over 95 percent original inside and out. After years of neglect and risk of collapse, the house is now managed as a nonprofit and is being restored and operated as a house museum. A Texas Historical Commission marker was installed in 2026.

Amenities

League-Kempner House

1702 Broadway Galveston, 77550

Visitor Instructions

House is open for guided tours Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check the website for changes in opening, as this is a restoration in progress. All money goes directly for restoration. Videos tracking the restoration work can be found on the website.

Directions

Take I-45 south from Houston to Galveston. I-45 becomes Broadway Blvd. The house is on the left at 1702 Broadway on the corner of 17th St.