Michel B. Menard House

The Michel B. Menard House, also known as The Oaks, is a historic home located at 1605 Thirty-Third Street in Galveston, Texas. Built in 1838, it is the oldest surviving structure in the city and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house was constructed using prefabricated parts shipped from Maine, a reflection of the economic conditions of 1830s Texas. Originally owned by Michel B. Menard, a founder of Galveston, the house has a rich history, including being the site of the city's first Mardi Gras ball in 1853. After various ownership changes, it was restored in the 1990s and has since become a popular attraction, welcoming thousands of visitors during events like the Historic Homes Tour.