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Commercial Icon of Galveston’s historic Strand & Civil War Battleground

The Hendley building also known as Hendley row. Constructed between 1855 and 1859. When this building was constructed, 20th street was considered the centerline of the city. This Greek Revival style building or buildings are the oldest commercial structure on Strand. When looking at the front of the building from Strand, you will see that the structure is actually four separate units divided by granite blocks. If you look closely on the granite dividing blocks, you can see the initials of the building owners carved into the granite. The row of buildings was built in order to facilitate the busy Kuhn’s Wharf and to be utilized as a headquarters of a shipping line between Galveston and New York City. New shipping lines were a common occurrence in Galveston in the late 1800s. As Galveston was the closest port to facilitate expansion to the American West. The Hendley building was used to initiate the confederate armies attack on the union Navy on New Year’s Day 1863. On the 20th St. facing side of the building, you will be able to spot cannonball or shell damage on one of the granite pillars. The Hendley building has been home to warehouses, offices, produce distributors, banks, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and even the Galveston historical foundation in recent years. Now, the building is home to many shops for locals and tourist to enjoy on the Historic Strand!

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