George W. Fulton Mansion, Second Empire mansion in Fulton, United States.
The George W. Fulton Mansion is a four-story building in Fulton, Texas, built with a mansard roof and ornate details throughout. It overlooks the waters of Aransas Bay and displays the characteristics of French Second Empire design, including tall windows and elaborate exterior trim.
The house was built between 1874 and 1877 by entrepreneur George Fulton and his wife Harriet Smith, who established a significant ranching enterprise in the region. It arose during a period of economic growth along the Texas Gulf Coast.
The mansion reflects the taste and prosperity that wealthy Texans of the 1800s wanted to display to their community. It shows how European design trends shaped architecture along America's Gulf Coast.
The site is accessible on most days of the week and offers guided tours so visitors can explore the interior rooms and their furnishings. It is helpful to check ahead about which areas are open and whether special tours are available.
The building was groundbreaking in its systems: it had gas lighting, central heating, and hot water in every bedroom, which was remarkable for the 1800s. These modern conveniences show how advanced technology reached wealthy American homes during this era.
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