This exhibit traces the history of early Texas banking and the involvement of the Moody family of Galveston in the expansion of that industry. Colonel William Lewis Moody began the family’s banking heritage by serving as president of the National Bank of Texas, which was the second bank established in the state receiving its charter on March 6, 1866. His son, W. L. Moody, Jr., continued the family tradition with the founding of City National Bank in 1907 and the establishment of W. L. Moody and Company Bankers, Unincorporated in 1916. W. L. Moody, Jr.’s daughter, Mary Moody Northen, and his grandson, Robert L. Moody, Sr., upheld the family banking tradition. Learn about the history of this family and their leadership in the development of the Texas banking industry.
Welcome to Moody Mansion ! Restored to its turn of the century splendor, the 28,000 square-foot, four-story structure was completed in 1895. Today, our guests visit 20 rooms on a tour that depicts the home life of a powerful Texas family. The Moody’s established one of the great American financial empires. Based on cotton, it grew to include banking, ranching, insurance and hotels.
W.L Moody Jr. bought the home from the heirs of the original owners soon after the great hurricane of 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Moody and their four children celebrated the first of more than eighty Christmas seasons in the house in December of that year. The house remained home for Moody family members until 1986. Today, its rooms are filled with the furnishings and personal affects of the family.
The philanthropic legacy of the Moody family of Galveston is carried on today by the Moody Foundation and the Mary Moody Northen Endowment. Both charitable foundations are major forces in health care, education, historic preservation, and the arts. The Moody Foundation has developed spectacular Moody Gardens on the west end of the city. If you care to learn more about this Galveston Treasure