Murdoch's Bathhouse is one of Galveston's most historic locations. Originally built in the late 1800's, the wood structure was constructed directly on the sand. Without the protection of a Seawall , the 1900 storm destroyed the bathhouse. Although the structure was rebuilt in 1901, the storms of 1909 and 1915 were so violent, that reconstruction was required after each.

Bathhouses such as Murdoch's, which were located on the shore, rented bathing suits and provided showers for the Island visitors. When Murdoch's reopened in 1910, it had 542 rooms, 251 for women and 291 for men. The cost at the time to rent the bathroom services were .25c.

In 1910, Mr. William J. Guyette Sr. opened Guyette Gift Shop inside Murdoch's. He knew that with so many visitors coming to Galveston Island, a shop that offered these visitors souvenirs, shells and trinkets, would be a great idea.

That same year, Gaido's Seafood restaurant was also opened inside Murdoch's Bathhouse. Both establishments are still thriving today and are considered Galveston institutions.

Mr. Guyette's son, William J. Guyette Jr. , took over operations of the gift shop after serving five years in the U.S. Army during World War II. With Mr. Guyette Sr. living just across the street at the Moody House, the 2nd generation would continue the daily operations of Guyette Gift Shop.

In 1961, Hurricane Carla destroyed the bath house yet again. Reconstruction this time replaced the grander bathhouse with the two oblong wood structures, built several steps above the seawall and carried out over the Gulf of Mexico on wood pilings.

In 1974, Mr. William J. Guyesste Jr.'s son-in-law, James W. Little, took over operations of Guyette Gift Shops. Although Mr. Guyette still remained active in the shops, Mr. James Little, the 3rd generation, had now begun to take charge.

In 1983, Hurricane Alicia hit Galveston Island. This storm required the pier to have minor repairs.

In 1992, Mr. James Little's son-in-law, Patrick Schoenvogel, moved to Galveston Island to begin his role in the gift shops.

In 2005, the family connected the existing piers with a breezeway and porch overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Since the State of Texas, will not allow anymore piers to be built, it stands on some of the original piling that once held Murdoch's Bathhouse.

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Rating Rated by Date Review karen 9/30/2008 11:07:00 AM I sure hope you will rebuild I have been coming to murdochs since I was 2years old my PAPA brought us there to shop and then my parents would bring us there and now my children, especially my little boy loves to shop and get hermit crabs there the last one he bought there lived 3 years. He lost his tooth yesterday at school and when asked what he would like from the tooth fairy he said he would like something from murdochs with a promise they will rebuild again, thank goodness we had visited over the summer and I had bought him a special shell, so the tooth fairy did deliver with the shell and a note that said murdochs will be back I promise. Stephanie 9/26/2008 1:06:00 AM Galveston just isn't the same without Murdoch's. This was an amazing place and I really hope it gets rebuilt. Cam 9/25/2008 6:56:00 AM I have been visiting Murdoch's since I was 5 years old. It has been one of our favorite places to go in Galveston, and I know that is true for many other people. Hard to imagine the Seawall without it. I really hope they rebuild again as they have in the past. Jason and Mandy 9/23/2008 5:27:00 PM My wife and I were just there in the middle of August. We really enjoyed getting away from the city and sitting on the deck and look out over The Gulf for a couple of hours each night we were there. We really hope they will rebuild. It would mean alot to alot of people. David 9/23/2008 2:32:00 PM Always a tradition for me, I loved the new breezeway that had connected the shops. Its a shame, but hopefully they will rebuild. Its not a trip to Galveston without a trip to Murdochs!!! andy 9/21/2008 9:51:00 PM we vacation every other year in galveston & a stop at Murdoch's was a tradition. A quick photo with our girls in front of the store with shells and seahorses in the background defined our stay. We will return in hopes the Murdoch's doors will be open... Bob 9/20/2008 5:04:00 PM RIP Murdochs. Brad C. 9/18/2008 5:12:00 PM It was a great shop and will truly be missed. Hurricane IKE recently destroyed both gift shops and there is nothing but debris left. I've overheard talks that it will be rebuilt yet again but nothing is confirmed. I do hope they will make it stronger, grander, and more similar to the original structure with his beautiful architecture and detail. ~ R.I.P MURDOCH'S BATHOUSE AND MERMAIDS PIER - September 12th 2008 ~ Pam Smith 9/17/2008 1:37:00 PM Perfect place to stop and rest awhile. Wonderful selection of gifts. Our favorite place on the island. JOE 8/22/2008 11:21:00 PM GREAT PLACE TO GO RELAX OVER THE WATER AFTER A HARD DAY OF LAYING ON THE BEACH OR FISHING. THEIR BAR SERVES REALY COLD ADULT BEVERAGES AND SODAS WITH A FRIENDLY SMILE.