Why Should You Visit the Fulton Mansion?
This 19th-century home offers a stunning example of Victorian architecture and innovation, while also providing a window into the elegant lifestyle of high society during the era.
A Great Field Trip for These Topics:
- The Victorian Era
- Texas History
- Architecture
Where to Begin Your Field Trip:
Begin your field trip at the building located behind the mansion, the Fulton Mansion Education and History Center. Purchase admission, explore interactive exhibits, and browse the gift shop. You will also want to take a few minutes to see Harriet’s Garden before heading to the main attraction.
What Can You Expect to See & Do at the Fulton Mansion?
Expect to learn about this grand home by means of storytelling. The life of George and Harriet is a love story and Fulton Mansion is their work of art. George was a brilliant inventor and engineer, crafting ideas well ahead of his time. Harriet created a beautiful and fashionable home for entertaining family and friends.
The imposing home on the bay was built in the French Second Empire style and was originally named “Oakhurst” for all the oak trees found on the property. It was equipped with gas lighting, central heating, indoor plumbing, and many other luxuries that would have been rare during this time.
You have a few options for viewing the home:
- Self-Guided Tour via Literature at the Mansion
- Self-Guided Tour via Your Mobile Device
(This includes video clips told from the point-of-view of Victorian-era children.) - A Guided Tour (View Options)
The mansion is a three-story home with a full basement. The basement and first two floors are open to the public.
On the first floor, view the parlor, library, dining room, and conservatory.
On the second floor, you’ll find the bedrooms, as well as an exhibit room showcasing the house’s impressive construction. Fulton Mansion has withstood 8 hurricanes over the years.
The basement level was very interesting. It contained a cistern providing running water to the house, and a large furnace providing central heat. The pantry and kitchen are also in the basement. Food was prepared and sent up through the dumbwaiter. You’ll also see the laundry room, complete with his and her sock stretchers.
The Basics:
Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
317 Fulton Beach Rd
Rockport, TX 78382
Tuesday-Sunday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Adults $7
Seniors $6
Children 6-18 $4
Under 5 $0
Active Duty Military $0
Family (2 Adults/1 Child or 1 Adult/2 Children) $14
Each additional child $1
Need more info? Contact them here.
All information is correct to the best of our knowledge as of the publishing of this article June 2020. Contact the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site for any changes, or to confirm.
Tips for Visitors:
- Pick up a scavenger hunt provided by the historic site to keep young kids engaged. A small prize was given to our fourth-grader who managed to find everything on the list.
- Further the experience by picking up Harriet’s cookbook from the gift shop or a historical toy or activity kit for the kids.
- A brochure stand can be found in Harriet’s Garden with more information on the history of the plants and gardens.
More Field Trips in Rockport, TX:
Additional Fun Resources for Learning About the Victorian Era:
- Late Victorian and Edwardian Fashions Coloring Book by Tom Tierney
- DIY Dollhouse: Build and Decorate a Toy House Using Everyday Materials (A complete illustrated beginner’s guide to creating your own dollhouse with recycled materials) by Alexia Henrion
- Victorian Manor Dollhouse: Vintage Coloring Book by Jade Hannh
