Didn’t George Sealy leave his mark on Texas? This obelisk stands as a lasting tribute to a remarkable man. It is a reminder of his contributions to Galveston and beyond.
George Sealy was born in Pennsylvania in 1835. He moved to Texas in 1857. He joined his brother and worked at Ball, Hutchings and Company in Galveston. During the Civil War, he served as a private in the Confederate Army.
After the war, Sealy became treasurer of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway. When the railroad went bankrupt, he bought it at foreclosure. He then reorganized the company. New towns sprang up along the railway’s route. Rosenberg, Sealy, and Temple were named after railway officers.
Sealy’s influence extended beyond the railroad. The George Sealy House, also known as Open Gates, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. During the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, Open Gates served as a refuge. Residents of the house saved Galvestonians from the floodwaters. In 1969, Open Gates was donated to the University of Texas Medical Branch. It became the George and Magnolia Willis Sealy Conference Center.
George Sealy II, son of George, continued the family legacy. He was a prominent Galveston businessman and civic leader. He served as president of the Galveston Cotton Concentration Company. He was also chairman of the board of Hutchings-Sealy Bank. Further, he was president of Black Hardware Company. He held positions with American Indemnity, the Galveston Cotton Exchange, and more.
Sealy II also demonstrated a strong sense of civic responsibility. He helped establish Galveston as “The Oleander City.” He cultivated sixty varieties of oleanders. These plants were shipped across the country. Free plants were given to residents, visitors, and servicemen. An oleander festival and parade were sponsored. Plants were even named after notable figures.
George Sealy II’s wife, Eugenia, was also a civic leader. A pavilion in Galveston commemorates their service to the community. Their children donated the pavilion in their memory.
This obelisk serves as a reminder of the Sealy family’s impact. It is a symbol of their dedication to Galveston. They helped shape the city’s history and beautified its landscape. As you stand here, remember George Sealy. Remember his vision. Remember his commitment to building a better Texas.