Gifts of Henry Rosenberg

When Galveston businessman and philanthropist Henry Rosenberg died in May of 1893, his last will and testament was made public. To the great surprise of local residents, Mr. Rosenberg left the bulk of his sizable estate to fund various charitable projects around the city. Among these were the construction of a library, an orphanage, a church, a monument honoring veterans of the Texas Revolution, and public drinking fountains for both people and animals.

Of the original seventeen Rosenberg fountains, only nine still exist. Many of these have been moved to their present sites from other locations on the island. Each fountain bears a unique design.

Henry Rosenberg also funded the construction of a YMCA building, but it later closed and was torn down in 1954.

Fortunately, many of Mr. Rosenberg’s gifts to Galveston can still be found today – perfect for a walking, biking, or driving tour.