LIVE BEACH WEBCAMS OF GALVESTON

Galveston, an island city off the Gulf Coast of Texas, boasts one of the richest and most dramatic histories in the American South. From Native American roots and pirate lore to booming prosperity, catastrophic destruction, and inspiring resilience, Galveston has played a central role in Texas history, commerce, and culture.

 

EARLY HISTORY

Indigenous Peoples

The island was originally inhabited by the Karankawa Indians, a nomadic coastal tribe known for fishing and hunting.

 

They lived along the Gulf Coast for centuries before European arrival.

 

Spanish Exploration

In 1528, Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca shipwrecked near Galveston and spent years traveling through the region.

 

The island was later named after Bernardo de Gálvez, a Spanish colonial governor and war hero, though he never visited. "Galveston" means "Gálvez's town."

 

THE PIRATE ERA

In the early 1800s, Galveston was used as a base by Jean Lafitte, a French pirate who established a colony called Campeche in 1817.

 

Lafitte ran smuggling and privateering operations until the U.S. Navy drove him out in 1821.

 

His legacy is still a popular part of Galveston folklore.

 

REPUBLIC OF TEXAS & EARLY GROWTH (1836–1860s)

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Galveston Founded (1839)

After Texas gained independence from Mexico, Galveston was officially incorporated in 1839.

 

It quickly became the largest city and port in Texas, a financial and cultural hub.

 

It served as the capital of the Republic of Texas for a brief time and hosted Texas’ first post office, opera house, hospital, and public library.

 

Prosperity & Prestige

By the mid-1800s, Galveston was known as the "Wall Street of the Southwest."

 

It had a booming port, cotton trade, and impressive architecture.

 

Many European immigrants settled there, especially Germans, Italians, and Greeks.

 

CIVIL WAR ERA (1861–1865)

Galveston was a key Confederate port during the Civil War.

 

It was occupied by Union forces briefly in 1862, but Confederates retook it in the Battle of Galveston in 1863.

 

Despite blockades, the city remained a Confederate stronghold until the war’s end.

 

THE GREAT STORM OF 1900

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Catastrophic Hurricane

On September 8, 1900, Galveston was hit by the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history.

 

A Category 4 hurricane brought a 15-foot storm surge, killing over 6,000 people and destroying much of the city.

 

The disaster ended Galveston’s reign as Texas’ leading port and economic center.

 

Remarkable Recovery

The city rebuilt, raising land elevation and constructing a 17-foot seawall, completed in 1904.

 

Though Houston would surpass it economically, Galveston remained a vibrant cultural city.

 

BOOM, BUST & REBIRTH (1920s–PRESENT)

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The "Free State of Galveston" (1920s–1950s)

Galveston became infamous for its open gambling, bootlegging, and vice industry, attracting visitors from across the South.

 

It earned the nickname "Sin City of the Gulf."

 

This ended with a crackdown on illegal operations in the 1950s.

 

Modern Era

Galveston reinvented itself through tourism, preservation, and education.

 

The historic district, The Strand, is now a vibrant center of shops and festivals.

 

Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn, and cruise ship terminals attract modern tourists.

 

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) is a major center for healthcare and research.

 

TODAY'S GALVESTON

Galveston is known for:

• Beautiful Victorian architecture

• The Strand Historic District

• Rich maritime and pirate lore

• Annual events like Mardi Gras! Galveston and Dickens on The Strand

A mix of historic charm and Gulf Coast resilience