Steamboat House, Historic house in Huntsville, United States
Steamboat House is a 19th-century residential building distinguished by twin front turrets and extended galleries spanning two levels, designed to evoke a riverboat aesthetic. The unusual architectural style is immediately apparent from its exterior appearance.
Physician Rufus Bailey commissioned the building in 1858 as a wedding gift for his son, who rejected it due to its unconventional design. The structure changed locations multiple times before settling in its present position.
The residence served as the final home of Sam Houston, a leading Texas politician, and visitors can sense the historical weight of the place through its rooms and furnishings. The connection to his life story makes the house a focal point for understanding the state's past.
The house is located within the Sam Houston Memorial Museum complex, allowing visitors to combine their visit with other attractions at the site. Plan to spend time exploring both the interior spaces and the exterior architectural details.
The building experienced a tumultuous period before reaching its current state, with homeless families occupying its ten rooms at one point. This lesser-known chapter of the structure's history reveals how its purpose shifted dramatically over time.
Location: Huntsville
Inception: 1858
Part of: Sam Houston Memorial Museum
Address: Sam Houston Memorial Museum
Website: http://samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com
GPS coordinates: 30.71800,-95.55130
Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45
Interstate 45
40.7 km
Lake Livingston
38.5 km
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
62.5 km
A Tribute to Courage
7.4 km
Huntsville State Park
11.4 km
Bowers Stadium
1 km
Anadarko Tower
62.8 km
Texas Prison Museum
3.7 km
Gibbons Creek Reservoir
50.2 km
Montgomery High School
40.3 km
Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site
49 km
Don Sanders Stadium
1.2 km
Woodland
391 m
State Highway 19 Bridge at Trinity River
21.5 km
Riverside Swinging Bridge
21.5 km
Madison County Courthouse
43.1 km
Sam Houston Memorial Museum
276 m
Polk County Courthouse and 1905 Courthouse Annex
59.1 km
Woodbine Hotel and Restaurant
43.3 km
ALPHA Academy
60.5 km
Fain Theater
59.2 km
Trinity County Courthouse
55.3 km
Sam Houston State Natural History Collections
1.1 km
Josey Boy Scout Lodge and Keeper's Cabin
981 m
San Jacinto County Courthouse
42.8 km
Sam Houston Memorial Museum Complex
425 m
Josey Boy Scout Lodge
981 m
Anderson Historic District
49.1 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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