Desmond Marina is a historic landmark in Galveston, Texas, United States. The marina was built in 1847 by William J. Larchaner for use as an oyster bar and seafood market. In the late 19th century it became the site of Galveston's first public baths and bathhouses, which were later converted into private residences.[1]

The first marina was built in 1847 by William J. Larchaner.

The first marina was built in 1847 by William J. Larchaner, who sold the property to Desiderio and Ferdinand Benavides on April 4, 1879.

In 1853, Larchaner sold the property to Desiderio and Ferdinand Benavides.

In 1853, Larchaner sold the property to Desiderio and Ferdinand Benavides. They were the first marina owners in Galveston and built a new yacht club that still exists today as "The Old Galveston Swimming & Tennis Club".

In 1862, the brothers sold the land to Moses Ephron.

Moses Ephron, who had a passion for sailing and owned a shipyard in New York, purchased the land from the brothers. He was also a founder of the New York Yacht Club and member of the New York Board of Trade.

In 1863, Ephron sold the land to A.C. Hutton and John O'Donnell.

In 1863, Ephron sold the land to A.C. Hutton and John O'Donnell. Hutton and O'Donnell were partners in a business that made tins for cans of food that were used by soldiers during the Civil War. The tins were called "tin hats" because they had an airtight seal on top so food wouldn't leak out when they were shipped overseas by train or ship; this was important because some foods spoiled easily in transport due to heat stress or humidity changes caused by traveling long distances at high speeds through hot weather conditions (which could cause spoilage).

Hutton & O'Donnell continued making tin hats for soldiers until about 1870 when they began selling them commercially instead of just giving them away free as part of their contract with the federal government (this allowed them more profit).

In 1879, James Dunnell bought a half-interest in the property.

James Dunnell was a successful businessman. He was a member of the Galveston Board of Trade and served as its president for several years. He also served as president of the Galveston Chamber of Commerce, which is an organization that promotes economic development in Galveston County.

James Dunnell's business success also allowed him to invest in other areas outside his home city, including real estate development on land owned by his friend Henry Kirby or on land owned by Jules Leopold Meyerson (also known as Jules Meyerson).

In 1878-1880, Desmond Marina Company was formed to purchase the land for construction of a yacht club and community recreation area.

The City of Galveston has preserved this historic landmark with high standards of care. In 1878-1880, Desmond Marina Company was formed to purchase the land for construction of a yacht club and community recreation area.

Desmond Marina history is one of only two remaining examples in Texas from this period (the other being Sabine Pass Yacht Club), which also includes an adjoining community building that now houses restaurants and shops on its upper floors.