The McNamara House was built in 1876 in the style known as Greek Revival with Victorian accents. The house was built for Mr. William J. McNamara, a local hide and cotton dealer, and his wife Mary Ann Buckley McNamara and their four daughters: Mary Ellen, Elizabeth, Margaret and Catherine. William McNamara emigrated from Ireland in the 1850’s to New York City, then on to Pennsylvania, Port Lavaca, and finally settled in Victoria.
The house and its grounds have been slightly modified, but not totally altered since its construction in 1876. The floor plan includes a central hall that was essential for good ventilation in those days, and a detached kitchen and dining room, a must for separating heat and odors from the parlors of the home. Inside the home, three rooms are restored in period style with furnishings dating from the 1870’s through 1915.

Several of the family’s original pieces of furniture are housed in the home along with many fine examples of furniture generously donated from many homes in the Victoria area. Décor, artwork, the photographs, paperwork, handbags, Victorian dresses, shoes and bed linens, make up the remainder of interest in the home. Come see Victoria’s original town site map, or the beautifully beaded prayer chair in the master bedroom. We welcome you to visit the McNamara House Museum, where history comes alive!

The Education: