Celebrate the Reopening of Pompeiian Villa!
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🏛️ Celebrate the Reopening of Pompeiian Villa!
Join us as we celebrate the reopening of Port Arthur's oldest home, the historic Pompeiian Villa! You're invited to a special ribbon cutting, tour, and reception as we welcome visitors back to this beautiful piece of Port Arthur history.
The Villa has been closed since 2024 and is now reopened for viewing and tours. During this time, the City of Port Arthur and the PA Historical Society have made improvements guided by the standards of the National Register of Historic Places in America. Repairs include repairing storm-damaged roof railings, replacing the front Portico, and updating the home's 1900s vintage electrical system to 2026 standards. Another improvement is planned: restoring the terracotta roof system, further leveling, and painting.
🎀 Ribbon Cutting, Tour & Reception
📅 Wednesday, November 4, 2026
⏰ 4 PM–6 PM
📍 Pompeiian Villa
1953 Lakeshore Drive, Port Arthur, TX
A Little History...
Built in 1900, the Pompeiian Villa in Port Arthur, Texas, was originally constructed as a winter residence for Isaac L. Ellwood, a wealthy Illinois businessman known as the “Barbed Wire King.” Designed by Chicago architects George C. Nimmons and William K. Fellows, the home was inspired by the architecture of ancient Pompeii, the Roman city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
The ten-room residence features Classical Revival architecture, a distinctive Roman Doric portico, and a central courtyard surrounded by columns. In 1903, prominent Port Arthur businessman George M. Craig acquired the property in exchange for stock in the newly established Texas Company, later known as Texaco. Craig lived there until his death in 1950.
The Port Arthur Historical Society acquired the home in early 1970, and it was later transferred to the City of Port Arthur. Recognized for its architectural and historical significance, the Pompeiian Villa was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Today, it remains a treasured landmark of Port Arthur’s early development.
🏛️ Additional Viewing Opportunities
Can't make it to the ribbon cutting? We're also opening the Villa for visitors on these special dates:
• Thursday, November 5 | 10 AM–12 PM
• Friday, November 6 | 12 PM–2 PM
• Saturday, November 7 | 9:30 AM–1 PM
Afterward, Tours will be by appointment through the Museum of the Gulf Coast. For more information, call the Museum of the Gulf Coast at 409.982.7000.
Come explore one of Port Arthur's architectural treasures and experience a piece of local history!
This special event is sponsored by:
• City of Port Arthur
• Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Port Arthur Historical Society
• Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce
For more information, contact the Museum of the Gulf Coast at 409-982-7000.
We hope you'll join us in celebrating the reopening of this historic Port Arthur landmark!
Join us as we celebrate the reopening of Port Arthur's oldest home, the historic Pompeiian Villa! You're invited to a special ribbon cutting, tour, and reception as we welcome visitors back to this beautiful piece of Port Arthur history.
The Villa has been closed since 2024 and is now reopened for viewing and tours. During this time, the City of Port Arthur and the PA Historical Society have made improvements guided by the standards of the National Register of Historic Places in America. Repairs include repairing storm-damaged roof railings, replacing the front Portico, and updating the home's 1900s vintage electrical system to 2026 standards. Another improvement is planned: restoring the terracotta roof system, further leveling, and painting.
🎀 Ribbon Cutting, Tour & Reception
📅 Wednesday, November 4, 2026
⏰ 4 PM–6 PM
📍 Pompeiian Villa
1953 Lakeshore Drive, Port Arthur, TX
A Little History...
Built in 1900, the Pompeiian Villa in Port Arthur, Texas, was originally constructed as a winter residence for Isaac L. Ellwood, a wealthy Illinois businessman known as the “Barbed Wire King.” Designed by Chicago architects George C. Nimmons and William K. Fellows, the home was inspired by the architecture of ancient Pompeii, the Roman city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
The ten-room residence features Classical Revival architecture, a distinctive Roman Doric portico, and a central courtyard surrounded by columns. In 1903, prominent Port Arthur businessman George M. Craig acquired the property in exchange for stock in the newly established Texas Company, later known as Texaco. Craig lived there until his death in 1950.
The Port Arthur Historical Society acquired the home in early 1970, and it was later transferred to the City of Port Arthur. Recognized for its architectural and historical significance, the Pompeiian Villa was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Today, it remains a treasured landmark of Port Arthur’s early development.
🏛️ Additional Viewing Opportunities
Can't make it to the ribbon cutting? We're also opening the Villa for visitors on these special dates:
• Thursday, November 5 | 10 AM–12 PM
• Friday, November 6 | 12 PM–2 PM
• Saturday, November 7 | 9:30 AM–1 PM
Afterward, Tours will be by appointment through the Museum of the Gulf Coast. For more information, call the Museum of the Gulf Coast at 409.982.7000.
Come explore one of Port Arthur's architectural treasures and experience a piece of local history!
This special event is sponsored by:
• City of Port Arthur
• Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Port Arthur Historical Society
• Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce
For more information, contact the Museum of the Gulf Coast at 409-982-7000.
We hope you'll join us in celebrating the reopening of this historic Port Arthur landmark!
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Where is it happening?
1953 Lakeshore Dr, Port Arthur, TX 77640-6782, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherMuseum of the Gulf Coast
