The Fulton Mansion is a state historic site located in Rockport, Texas. It is recognized as one of the most important historical landmarks of its period and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion was built by George Fulton overlooking Aransas Bay in 1874 and finished in 1877. George Fulton was an important figure in establishing Rockport's shipping industry during the late 1800s. The mansion is a classic example of Second Empire-style architecture and has been well preserved over the decades.
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Visitors to the home today will be transported back in time as they explore this historic landmark. Hear stories about how George Fulton made his fortune, and see rare photos of life inside an affluent family's household during the late 1800s and early 1900s! Located behind the mansion on site is our Education & History Center which features interactive exhibits with hands-on activities for all ages or you can shop at the Fulton Mansions gift shop.
Fulton Mansion History
In 1840, East Coast entrepreneur George W. Fulton married Harriet Smith, daughter of powerful Republic-era politician Henry Smith. After Harriet’s father died, Fulton turned Harriet’s land inheritance on Aransas Bay into a ranching and meatpacking empire as part of the Coleman-Fulton Pasture Company. During the 1870s, the Fultons made their fortune shipping cattle tallow and hide between Rockport and New Orleans. To symbolize their success, they built a mansion called Oakhurst. The mansion was built over a period of three years, 1874–1877, and was the showplace of the town named for them.
The Great George Fulton
Fulton was a man of many talents who achieved some success as an engineer and inventor as well as a ranching entrepreneur and promoter of the Texas Gulf Coast. Harriet Smith Fulton was a devoted wife and companion throughout their marriage of more than 50 years, with many talents and skills of her own. Their bayside residence is a classic example of French Second Empire domestic architecture and is also a very personal and innovative dwelling. The historical significance of the house lies in its noteworthy architectural style, unique construction methods, and advanced mechanical systems — which featured gas lighting, central heating, and indoor plumbing with hot and cold running water — and includes the history of the Fulton family who built it and lived in it for 18 years.
Hours Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last admission to the mansion is at 4 p.m. Open until 8 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Admission Fees Adults $7 Seniors 65+ $6 5 and under Free Active Duty Military Free Ages 6-18 College Students (with ID) Adult Tour Groups $4 Per Person Family Fee (2 Adults/1 Child or 1 Adult/2 Child) $14 Each additional child is $1 School Groups Reservations required. Please call our Museum Educator (361-729-0386) to make reservations and for pricing on our educational programs.
Give them a call at 361-729-0386
Getting to the Fulton Mansion
We are RockportFulton.com your personal guide to everything in the beautiful Aransas County of Texas and we have a lot for you! Be sure to visit our Home Page, where there will be lots more information available on all things local including events going on now or coming soon that might pique your interest as well as fun facts about this area’s rich history, and things to explore.
Here are some helpful links for things around the area
Check out a few items from our shop
Take a look around the Town of Fulton
Check out our page about the History of Aransas County. It provides additional information about the Fulton Family and the great things they did in Aransas County.
Also, we just added a Post about the Fulton Family Windmill Blade located in an Oak tree behind the mansion...
