Remember Galveston’s founder Michel Branamour Menard. The Site of the Home of Michael Branaman Menard Plaque marks a spot tied to his legacy. Let’s uncover Menard’s story.
Michel Branamour Menard was born in Canada in 1804. He became a trader and merchant. Menard eventually made his way to Texas. He became a significant figure in Texas history.
Menard co-founded Galveston. He also represented Galveston County in the Congress of the Republic of Texas. Menard’s Galveston home was even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
At a young age Menard worked for the American Fur Trading Company. He spent two years doing business in Minnesota. Later, he traded furs at Kaskaskia. Menard learned English. However, he always spoke with a French accent.
Menard secured Mexican citizenship in 1829. He established a base for fur trading operations. By 1834 he owned 40000 acres of land. His trading extended south to Saltillo Mexico.
Menard played a key role in Galveston’s founding. He represented Juan Seguin in a land deal. Seguin obtained land on Galveston Island. Menard then led a group to petition the Texas government. They sought to recognize the land conveyance to Seguin. In 1836 the Republic of Texas confirmed the conveyance for $50000.
John D. Groesbeck created Galveston’s plan in 1838. Menard helped organize the Galveston City Company. The company began selling lots. Galveston quickly grew with buildings and families.
Menard signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. He served in the Republic of Texas legislature.
Menard’s personal life included multiple marriages. He married Marie Diana Leclerc. After she died he married Adeline Catherine Maxwell. Later he married Mary Jane Riddle. His final marriage was to Rebecca Mary Bass.
Menard died in Galveston in 1856. He is buried in the Old Catholic Cemetery. Menard County Texas is named after him.
The Michel B. Menard House still stands in Galveston. It was shipped from Maine in parts. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places. As of 2018 it was Galveston’s oldest standing house.
Menard built the house around 1837. It was for his second wife Catherine Maxwell. Houston co-founder John Kirby Allen bought the property in 1838.
In 1853 the house hosted Galveston’s first Mardi Gras ball. Edwin Ketchum purchased the house in 1880. The Ketchum family maintained it until 1977.
The Galveston Historical Foundation helped restore the Menard House. It opened for tours in 1995. The house survived Hurricane Ike without serious damage.
So remember Michel Branamour Menard a founder of Galveston. The Site of the Home of Michael Branaman Menard Plaque honors his contributions to Texas. His legacy lives on in Galveston’s history and architecture.