When was Galveston discovered?
Overview. The City of Galveston was chartered in 1839. The role of Galveston as the principal port and gateway to the Southwest during the 19th Century has placed the entire city in a unique position in relation to the history of Texas.
Who first settled Galveston?
The first inhabitants in Galveston history were the Karankawa Indians in the 16th century. Galveston Island’s first noted visitor was Cabeza de Vaca, the Spanish explorer, who landed in 1528. Its first European settler was French “privateer” Jean Lafitte.
What was Galveston known as in 1900?
At the time of the 1900 hurricane, Galveston, nicknamed the Oleander City, was filled with vacationers.
What did Galvestonians call Houston?
Galvestonians accepted and supported the illegal activities, often referring to their island as the “Free State of Galveston”. The island had entered what would later become known as the “open era”.
Why is Galveston famous?
The beautiful beaches and historic downtown of Galveston, less than an hour from Houston, make this a year-round destination for Texans and tourists. For much of the 19th century, Galveston was the largest and wealthiest town in the state, and for a brief period, it was even the capital of the Republic of Texas.
What was the history of Galveston, Texas?
To some, Galveston will always be an island defined by its storied past, its 19th-century elegance, big-city ambitions, notorious seaport and even more legendary storms. African Americans in Galveston aided in the development of the city, state and the nation in many ways.
When did the hurricane hit Galveston, Texas?
Aftermath of Galveston, Texas hurricane of 1900. (Credit: Library of Congress) When the storm picked up in early September of 1900, “any modestly educated weather forecaster would’ve known that” it was passing west, says Kerry Emanuel, a professor of atmospheric science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Which is the oldest newspaper in Galveston Texas?
The Galveston County Daily News, founded in 1842, is the city’s primary newspaper and the oldest continuously printed newspaper in Texas. It currently serves as the newspaper of record for the city and the Texas City Post serves as the newspaper of record for the County. Radio station KGBC, on air from 1947–2010,…
Who are some famous people from Galveston Texas?
Galveston has been home to many important figures in Texas and U.S. history. During the island’s earliest history it became the domain of Jean Lafitte, the famed pirate and American hero of the War of 1812. Richard Bache, Jr. who represented Galveston in the Senate of the Second Texas Legislature in 1847…