Galveston’s Haunted Villa

Written by Michael Callahan in Feb. 2016

Ashton Villa Galveston

February 23, 1969:

On this day, it was reported that the Ashton Villa had been designated a Texas landmark, and one year earlier it had to be saved from demolition. The mansion was originally built in 1859 by James Moreau Brown, who was also key to the formation of the First National Bank of Galveston. According to Galveston.com, the villa was the first of many: the first house to be built on Broadway Boulevard, the first mansion to be built on the island, and was one of the first private brick residences in Galveston.

The villa is not open for public tours but is available for rental. However, be careful, the place may be haunted.

According to galvestonghost.com, the ghost of Miss Bettie Brown has been seen standing in the gold room, standing at the top of the staircase, and even playing the piano. And, she’s not the only ghost in the villa. The site is also haunted by Miss Tilly Brown-Sweeney, who was the victim of an abusive marriage. Now, the mansion was also used as a hospital for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War, and some have seen these soldiers on the grounds.

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<3 Anna