Rich with History
Originally, Queen Gypsy Inn was part of a 125 acre purchase made by the United States Government in 1897 and was intended to become a military reserve. But, during construction, the hurricane of 1900 hit the coast and destroyed everything in its path.
Then in 1903, the unoccupied land was turned over to Army engineers who constructed Fort Crockett, named for Texas Revolution war hero, Davy Crockett. Construction on the fort was completed in 1910 and then garrisoned in 1911 with the Coast Artillery Crops. And, during WWI, the fort housed around 3,000 soldiers in training prior their deployment to France.
In the midst of WWII in 1943, Fort Crockett became a prisoner of war camp housing 650 POW's until it was deactivated in 1946. The camp reopened to the Fourth Army in 1948 as the Galveston Recreational Center, and in the 1950's the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service held fishery research in the Post Exchange building . Following this effort in 1956, ten buildings at the current site were owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Commercial Fisheries Service. These ten buildings were later transferred to the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Fort Crockett gained another claim to fame in a vastly different way in 1957! During this time, the owners of our fine establishment were Frank and Blanche Ortiz. For those of you who are unfamiliar, Frank Ortiz was a clothing designer renowned for his upscale clothing designs. The Ortiz's owned , "Ortiz Tailors" in Galveston , Texas. Additionally, Frank was the master mind behind the lavish fashions for piano prodigy and style icon, Liberace. Known for his jaw dropping wardrobe, Liberace gave all the credit to Frank Ortiz. Frank also designed for other famous Vegas celebrities including Wayne Newton.
Later, Frank and Blanche Ortiz purchased the Fort Crockett administration building and turned it into the Beach View Apartments, designed for upscale living. The Ortiz's lived in the vintage 4,000 square foot penthouse for many years and enjoyed collecting celebrity memorabilia including autographed pictures and clothing.
Fort Crockett's unique, colorful history makes it an interesting and attractive locale for a Galveston Island getaway .
Meet Queen Gypsy!
Entrepreneur, Leslie Dean, is the proud owner of Queen Gypsy Inn. Dean has always been drawn to the hospitality industry and enjoys not only the service side, but also has a passion for one of a kind interior design. Her creativity and artistry are evident in the decor of Queen Gypsy Inn, as well as her other rentals in Houston and Texas City.
While visiting Galveston on a field trip with her son, Leslie saw a for sale sign on a beautiful property with beach views and knew immediately that with her vision, Queen Gypsy Inn could become a coveted destination for visitors to Galveston Island.
Her dedication to its renovations and her desire that each suite reflect both comfort and a unique thematic aesthetic, invite guests to vacation in suites of comfort and beauty. Her creative touch has transitioned the historic manor into a family vacation hot spot.
Leslie's full heart and warm smile welcomes all to enjoy a superior vacation experience at Queen Gypsy Inn.
