- "Galveston" redirects here. For the town in the U. S. state of Indiana, see Galveston, Indiana. Galveston (gælˈvɛstən is a town in Jackson Township, Cass County, Indiana, USA. For the song, see Galveston (song). "Galveston" is the title of a 1969 song written by Jimmy Webb and popularized by Glen Campbell.
| City of Galveston | |||
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| Nickname: The Oleander City | |||
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| Country | United States of America | ||
| State | Texas | ||
| Counties | Galveston | ||
| Incorporated | 1839 | ||
| Government | |||
| - Type | Council-manager | ||
| - Mayor | Lyda Ann Thomas | ||
| Area | |||
| - Total | 208. A nickname is a Name of an entity or thing that is not its Proper name. Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. Wikipedia talkFeatured lists for an explanation of this and other inclusion tags below -->This list of countries, arranged alphabetically The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The political units and divisions of the United States include The 50 states (four of these being officially styled as Commonwealths) which are typically Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. List of Texas county name etymologies|List of Texas county seat name etymologies The state of Texas is divided into 254 counties, more than any other U Galveston County is a County located in the US state of Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area A municipal corporation is the legal term for a local governing body, including (but not necessarily limited to cities, counties, Towns In the council-manager form of government an elected city council (typically between five and 11 people is responsible for making Policy, passing Ordinances voting Appropriations A mayor (from the Latin māior, meaning "greater" is a modern title used in many countries for the highest ranking officer in a municipal government Area is a Quantity expressing the two- Dimensional size of a defined part of a Surface, typically a region bounded by a closed Curve. 3 sq mi (539. The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. 6 km²) | ||
| - Land | 46. Square Kilometre ( US spelling square kilometer) symbol km2, is a decimal multiple of the SI unit of 1 sq mi (119. 5 km²) | ||
| - Water | 162. 2 sq mi (420. 1 km²) | ||
| Elevation | 7 ft (2 m) | ||
| Population (2005) | |||
| - Total | 57,466 | ||
| - Density | 1,240. The elevation of a Geographic location is its height above a fixed reference point often the mean sea level. A foot (plural feet or foot; symbol or abbreviation ft or sometimes &prime – the prime symbol) is a non-SI unit The metre or meter is a unit of Length. It is the basic unit of Length in the Metric system and in the International Population density (in agriculture standing stock and Standing crop) is a measurement of Population per unit area or unit volume 3/sq mi (478. 9/km²) | ||
| - Demonym | Galvestonian | ||
| Time zone | CST (UTC-6) | ||
| - Summer (DST) | CDT (UTC-5) | ||
| ZIP codes | 77550-77555 | ||
| Area code(s) | 409 | ||
| FIPS code | 48-28068[1] | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 1377745[2] | ||
| Website: www.cityofgalveston.org | |||
Galveston (pronounced /ˈgælvəstən/) is a city and the seat of Galveston County located along the Gulf Coast region in the U.S. state of Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area. A demonym or gentilic is a word that denotes the members of a People or the inhabitants of a place The Central Time Zone observes Standard time by subtracting six hours from UTC during standard time ( UTC−6) and five hours during Daylight saving Areas using UTC−6 Single zone countries Belize Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Daylight saving time ( DST The Central Time Zone observes Standard time by subtracting six hours from UTC during standard time ( UTC−6) and five hours during Daylight saving UTC−5 is the Time offset used in the North American Eastern Time Zone during Standard time and in the North American Central Time Zone during The ZIP code is the system of Postal codes used by the United States Postal Service (USPS A telephone numbering plan is a plan for allocating Telephone number ranges to countries regions areas and exchanges and to non-fixed telephone networks The map to the right is now clickable click on an area code to go to the page for that code Federal Information Processing Standards ( FIPS) are publicly announced standards developed by the United States Federal government for use by all non-military The Geographic Names Information System ( GNIS) is a database that contains name and locative information about more than two million physical and cultural features located throughout A county seat is a term for an Administrative center for a County, primarily used in the United States. Galveston County is a County located in the US state of Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area The Gulf Coast region of the United States comprises the coasts of states which border the Gulf of Mexico. A US state is any one of the fifty subnational entities of the United States of America that share Sovereignty with the federal government Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown is a 10-county Metropolitan area defined by the Office of Management and Budget. As of the 2005 U.S. Census estimate, the city had a total population of 57,466. The United States Census is a decennial Census mandated by the United States Constitution. Galveston is accessible by a causeway linking Galveston Island to the mainland on the north end of the city, a toll bridge on the western end of the island, and by ferry boat service on the east end of the city. In modern usage a causeway is a road or railway elevated by a bank usually across a broad Body of water or Wetland. Galveston Island is a Barrier island on the Texas Gulf coast in the United States about 50 miles (80 kilometers southeast of Houston.
Galveston is known for its historic neighborhoods and a ten-mile (16 km) long seawall designed to protect the city from floods and hurricane storm surge. The Galveston Seawall is a Seawall in Galveston Texas, USA that was built after the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 for protection from future Hurricanes
The city houses many tourist attractions. The attractions include the Galveston Schlitterbahn waterpark, Moody Gardens, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum, the Lone Star Flight Museum, a downtown neighborhood of historic buildings known as "The Strand," many historical museums and mansions, and miles of beach front. Schlitterbahn is the name used for three Waterparks located in Texas. Moody Gardens is a tourist complex in Galveston, Texas. It is owned through a complex agreement by the City of Galveston but funded operated and supported The Ocean Star Offshore Oil Rig & Museum, located in Galveston, Texas, is a museum dedicated to the offshore Oil and Gas industry The Lone Star Flight Museum, located in Galveston Texas, displays more than 40 historically significant aircraft and many hundreds of artifacts related to the history of The Strand District, in downtown Galveston, Texas ( USA) is a National Historic Landmark District of mainly Victorian era buildings The Strand plays host to a yearly Mardi Gras festival, Galveston Island Jazz & Blues Festival, Texas Beach Fest, Lone Star Bike Rally, and a Victorian-themed Christmas festival called "Dickens on the Strand" (honoring the works of novelist Charles Dickens, especially A Christmas Carol) in early December. " Mardi Gras " ( French for Fat Tuesday) is the day before Ash Wednesday. Dickens on the Strand is an annual Christmas festival in Galveston Texas occurring the first weekend in December Galveston is also home to the Balinese Room, a historic nightclub, formerly a notorious illegal gambling hall, located on a 600-foot (200 m) pier extending into the Gulf of Mexico. The Balinese Room was a well-known Nightclub in Galveston Texas built on a pier stretching 600 feet (183 m from the Galveston Seawall over the [3]
Galveston is the second-largest city in Galveston County in population after League City; League City surpassed Galveston between 2000 and 2005. League City is a city in Galveston County in the US state of Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area [4]
Contents |
History
Exploration and settlement
Galveston island was originally inhabited by members of the Karankawa and Akokisa tribes. The Karankawa (also Karankawan, Clamcoëhs, and called in their language Auia) were a group of Native American peoples now Extinct The Akokisa were a people that lived on Galveston Bay and the lower Trinity and San Jacinto rivers in Texas. The Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca was shipwrecked on the island in 1528 and there began his famous trek to Mexico. Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca ( Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, ca The United Mexican States ( or commonly Mexico (ˈmɛksɪkoʊ () is a federal constitutional Republic in North America. In the late 1600s, the French explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle claimed the area for Louis XIV and named it Saint-Louis. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. René Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salle, or Robert de LaSalle ( November 22, 1643 &ndash March 19, 1687) was a French Early years Birth and ancestry Louis XIV was born in the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye on September 5 1638 and bore the Heir apparent
The native tribes were known to have used the name "Auia" for the island and it would later be referred to as "Malhado," the isle of doom, by the first Spaniards. [5] But during his charting of the Gulf Coast in 1785, the Spanish explorer José de Evia named the island Gálvez-towm or Gálveztown in honor of Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid, Count of Gálvez. Spain () or the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España is a country located mostly in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid Viscount of Galveston and Count of Gálvez (Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid vizconde de Gálveztown y conde de Gálvez ( July 23, 1746 [5][6] The first permanent European settlements on the island were constructed around 1816 by the pirate Louis-Michel Aury as a base of operations to support Mexico's rebellion against Spain. Louis-Michel Aury was a French Corsair operating in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean during the early 19th century In 1817 Aury returned from an unsuccessful raid against Spain to find Galveston occupied by the pirate Jean Lafitte, who took up residence there after having been driven from his stronghold in Barataria Bay off the coast of New Orleans, Louisiana. Jean Lafitte (ca 1776 - ca 1826 was a Privateer in the Gulf of Mexico in the early 19th century New Orleans (nʲuːˈɔrliənz nʲuːˈɔrlənz French: La Nouvelle-Orléans) is a major United States port city and the largest city in Louisiana Lafitte organized Galveston into a pirate "kingdom" he called "Campeachy" (or "Campeche"), anointing himself the island's "head of government. " Lafitte remained in Galveston until 1821 when he and his raiders were given an ultimatum by the United States Navy: leave or be destroyed. Lafitte burned his settlement to the ground and sailed under cover of night for parts unknown. There are still rumors that Lafitte's treasure is buried somewhere between Galveston Island, Bolivar Peninsula and High Island.
Following its successful revolution from Spain, the Congress of Mexico issued a proclamation on October 17, 1825, establishing the Port of Galveston, and in 1830 erected a customs house. Congress (formally Congreso de la Unión or Congress of the Union) is the Legislative branch of the Mexican government. The Port of Galveston is the Port of the city of Galveston Texas. During the Texas Revolution, Galveston served as the main port for the Texas navy. The Texas Revolution or Texas War of Independence was fought from October 2 1835 to April 21 1836 between Mexico and the Texas (Tejas portion of the Mexican Galveston also served as the capital of the Republic of Texas when in 1836 interim president David G. Burnet relocated his government there. The Republic of Texas was a sovereign Nation in North America between the United States and Mexico that existed from 1836 to David Gouverneur Burnet ( April 14, 1788 &ndash December 5, 1870) was an early politician within the Republic of Texas, serving
In 1836, Michel B. Menard, a native of Canada, along with several associates purchased 4,605 acres (18. 64 km²) of land for $50,000 from the Austin Colony to found the town that would become the modern city of Galveston. Menard and his associates began selling plots on April 20, 1838. Events 1303 - The University of Rome La Sapienza is instituted by Pope Boniface VIII. Year 1838 ( MDCCCXXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common In 1839, the City of Galveston adopted a charter and was incorporated by the Congress of the Republic of Texas. The Republic of Texas was a sovereign Nation in North America between the United States and Mexico that existed from 1836 to
The Battle of Galveston was fought in Galveston Bay and on the island on January 1, 1863, during the American Civil War when Confederate forces under Major General John B. Magruder attacked and expelled occupying Union troops from the city, which remained in Confederate hands for the duration of the war. The Second Battle of Galveston (usually simply referred to as the Battle of Galveston occurred on January 1, 1863, during the American Civil War Galveston Bay is a large Estuary located along Texas 's upper coast New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC Year 1863 ( MDCCCLXIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Causes of the war See also Origins of the American Civil War, Timeline of events leading to the American Civil War The coexistence of a slave-owning South The War Department was established by the Confederate Congress in an act on February 21, 1861. Major General or Major-General is a Military rank used in many countries John Bankhead Magruder ( May 1, 1807 &ndash February 19, 1871) was a career military officer who served in the armies of three nations The Union Army was the army that fought for the Union during the American Civil War.
Juneteenth, which is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, owes its origins to the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation upon the return of Union forces to Galveston in 1865. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is an official annual holiday in 29 Twelve other states list it as an official holiday including The Emancipation Proclamation consists of two executive orders issued by United States President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War.
In the late 1890s, the Fort Crockett defenses and coastal artillery batteries were constructed in Galveston and along the Bolivar Roads. Fort Crockett is a government reservation originally built as a defense installation on Galveston Island overlookingthe Gulf of Mexico. [7]
Growth
At the end of the 19th century, the city of Galveston was a booming metropolis with a population of 37,000. Its position on the natural harbor of Galveston Bay along the Gulf of Mexico made it the center of trade in Texas, and one of the largest cotton ports in the nation, in competition with New Orleans. Galveston Bay is a large Estuary located along Texas 's upper coast Between 1838 and 1842, 18 newspapers were started to serve the island's rapidly growing population (The Galveston County Daily News is the sole survivor). A causeway linking the island with the mainland was finished in 1860, which paved the way for railroad expansion. In modern usage a causeway is a road or railway elevated by a bank usually across a broad Body of water or Wetland.
During this era, Galveston was also home to a number of state firsts, including: the first post office (1836), the first naval base (1836), the first Texas chapter of a Masonic order (1840); the first cotton compress (1842), first Roman Catholic Cathedral (St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica) (1847), the first parochial school (Ursuline Academy) (1847), the first insurance company (1854), the first gas lights (1856), first Jewish Reform Congregation (Congregation B'nai Israel) (1868), the first opera house (1870), the first orphanage (1876), the first telephone (1878), the first electric lights (1883), the first medical college (now the University of Texas Medical Branch) (1891), and the first school for nurses (1890). For the Basilica in Phoenix Arizona see Saint Mary's Basilica. Congregation B'nai Israel (בני ישראל in Hebrew) is a Jewish Synagogue located in Galveston Texas, USA The University of Texas Medical Branch ( UTMB) is a component of the University of Texas System located in Galveston Texas, about 50 miles (80 km
Storm of 1900
In 1900, the island was struck by a devastating hurricane. A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a low pressure center and numerous Thunderstorms that produce strong winds and Flooding Even post-Hurricane Katrina, this event holds the record as the United States' deadliest natural disaster. Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the costliest hurricane, as well as one of the five deadliest in the history of the United States A natural disaster is the consequence of a Natural hazard (eg
In the early morning of September 8, high surf despite prevailing winds out of the north heralded the oncoming Storm. Events 70 - Roman forces under Titus sack Jerusalem. 1264 - The Statute of Kalisz By noon low-lying areas near the Gulf and the Bay side of the city were taking on water and the winds increased. Near 4 p. m. a storm surge approximately 15 feet (5 m) high slammed into the coast. According to many personal accounts, the storm subsided before midnight. Wind speeds reached up to 125 mph (an estimate, since the anemometer was blown off the U. An anemometer is a device for measuring wind speed and is one instrument used in a Weather station. S. Weather Bureau building). Isaac Cline was the bureau's chief meteorologist. Isaac Monroe Cline ( October 13, 1861 &ndash August 3, 1955) was the chief Meteorologist at the Galveston Texas office An account of the events surrounding the hurricane based on his personal records is given in Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson. The city was devastated, and an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 people on the island were killed.
After the storm cleared, the city decided to shore up its defenses against future storms: a permanent concrete seawall was built along a large portion of the beach front (1902-1904) and the entire grade of the city was raised some 17 feet (5 m) behind the wall to a few feet near the Bay (1904-1910). The Galveston Seawall is a Seawall in Galveston Texas, USA that was built after the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 for protection from future Hurricanes Just after the hurricane, the city originated the City Commission form of city government (which became known as the "Galveston Plan"), although the city has since adopted the Council-Manager form of government. Local governments are administrative offices that are smaller than a State. In the council-manager form of government an elected city council (typically between five and 11 people is responsible for making Policy, passing Ordinances voting Appropriations
Despite attempts to draw new investment to the city after the hurricane, Galveston never fully returned to its previous levels of national importance or prosperity. Development was also hindered by the construction of the Houston Ship Channel, which brought the Port of Houston into direct competition with the natural harbor of Galveston Bay for sea traffic. The Houston Ship Channel in Houston Texas is part of the Port of Houston —one of the United States 's busiest Sea ports The channel The Port of Houston is the Port of Houston Texas, the fourth-largest city in the United States. Galveston Bay is a large Estuary located along Texas 's upper coast To further her recovery, and rebuild her population, Galveston actively solicited immigration. Through the efforts of Rabbi Henry Cohen and Congregation B'nai Israel, Galveston became the focus of a 1907 immigration plan called the Galveston Movement that, in the following years, diverted roughly 10,000 Eastern European, Jewish immigrants from the crowded cities of the Northeastern United States. Congregation B'nai Israel (בני ישראל in Hebrew) is a Jewish Synagogue located in Galveston Texas, USA The Galveston Movement operated between 1907 and 1914 to divert Jews fleeing Russia and Eastern Europe away from crowded East Coast cities Eastern Europe is a general term that refers to the Geopolitical region encompassing the easternmost part of the European continent. PLEASE TAKE NOTE************
Galveston today
Though the storm stalled economic development and the city of Houston grew into the region's principal metropolis, Galveston has regained some of its former glory. Today it is considered a major tourist destination, and remains a port of entry and a destination for cruise ships, and a port of call and repairs for cargo ships. A cruise ship or cruise liner is a Passenger ship used for pleasure voyages where the voyage itself and the ship's amenities are part of the experience Galveston is currently ranked the number 1 cruise port on the Gulf Coast and number 4 in North America (2007). The city features an array of lodging options, including fine hotels, vintage bed & breakfast inns, beachfront condominiums, and resort rentals.
Galveston's historic downtown and abundant beaches are major tourist destinations. Houstonians and visitors from around the world purchase beach homes and condominiums and make Galveston their second home.
Other attractions in Galveston include Moody Gardens, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum, the Galveston Railroad Museum, Schlitterbahn, the Strand and the Lone Star Flight Museum. Moody Gardens is a tourist complex in Galveston, Texas. It is owned through a complex agreement by the City of Galveston but funded operated and supported The Ocean Star Offshore Oil Rig & Museum, located in Galveston, Texas, is a museum dedicated to the offshore Oil and Gas industry The Galveston Railroad Museum is a railroad museum owned and operated by the Center for Transportation and Commerce a non-profit organization Schlitterbahn is the name used for three Waterparks located in Texas. The Strand District, in downtown Galveston, Texas ( USA) is a National Historic Landmark District of mainly Victorian era buildings The Lone Star Flight Museum, located in Galveston Texas, displays more than 40 historically significant aircraft and many hundreds of artifacts related to the history of Galveston is also home to several historic ships: the tall ship Elissa (the official Tall Ship of Texas) at the Texas Seaport Museum and USS Cavalla and USS Stewart, both berthed at Seawolf Park on nearby Pelican Island. Honors National Register of Historic Places - first object granted this status while outside United States territory National Historic Operational History Departing New London 11 April 1944, Cavalla arrived at Pearl Harbor 9 May for voyage repairs Galveston is also home to a symphony orchestra and a small ballet company.
The Galveston County Daily News, the city's main newspaper, is the oldest continuously printed newspaper in Texas since 1842. The Galveston County Daily News, formerly the Galveston Daily News, is a Newspaper published in Galveston Texas. [8] Galveston.com, the city's official tourism website, launched in the fall of 1994. [9]
Galveston has been the home of the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) since 1891. The University of Texas Medical Branch ( UTMB) is a component of the University of Texas System located in Galveston Texas, about 50 miles (80 km UTMB is a major teaching and indigent-care hospital which now encompasses 84 acres (340,000 m²). , UTMB is the largest employer in Galveston County[10], creating over 15,000 jobs and bringing about $300 million into the local economy. Galveston County is a County located in the US state of Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area The Shriners Hospital adjacent to UTMB is a 30-bed pediatric burn hospital providing comprehensive acute care and reconstructive and rehabilitative care to children who have been burned. Shriners Hospitals for Children is a network of 22 pediatric Non-profit Hospitals across North America that provide all care at no charge American National Insurance Company, one of the largest life insurance companies in the United States, and Moody National Bank are headquartered in Galveston. American National Insurance Company ( is a major American Insurance Corporation based in Galveston Texas. Moody National Bank (MNB is a nationally chartered Bank, founded in 1907 that is based in Galveston Texas, USA
Galveston's beaches are much cleaner than in the past. With the island's population showing greater concern for their environment, washed-up seaweed is now only moved back from the water's edge to allow the natural buildup and preservation of the beaches. The beaches are now cleaned daily by the Galveston Park Board.
In the 2000s, property values rose after expensive projects were completed [11] and demand for second homes increased. [12] This led some middle class families to move from Galveston to other areas such as League City, Texas City, and La Marque. League City is a city in Galveston County in the US state of Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area Texas City is a city located in Galveston County Texas, a county in the U La Marque (formerly Lamarque) is a city in Galveston County, Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown Metropolitan Area. The city population remained relatively the same from 2000 to 2005 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census as defined in Title) is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census The tax base of the Galveston ISD grew by 13% in 2005 while Galveston ISD lost many district-zoned non-Hurricane Katrina evacuee students. Galveston Independent School District is a School district based in Galveston, Texas ( USA) Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the costliest hurricane, as well as one of the five deadliest in the history of the United States [13]
In 2003 Houston Press reporter Wendy Grossman published an article stating that prostitution in Galveston is frequently occurring in the morning hours before work; previously prostitution occurred around 2 to 4 A. The Houston Press is an Alternative weekly Newspaper published in Houston Texas. M. , after the clubs closed [14].
In 2007 The Associated Press compiled a list of the most vulnerable places to hurricanes in the U. The Associated Press ( AP) is an American News agency. The AP is a Cooperative owned by its contributing Newspapers radio S. and Galveston was one of five areas named. Among the reasons cited were low elevation and the single evacuation route off the island which is blocked by the fourth largest city in the United States, Houston. [15]
Architecture
Buildings in Galveston notable for their architecture include many in the Historic Strand District, The Hotel Galvez, the Moody Mansion, Ashton Villa, and Bishop's Palace. The restored Grand 1894 Opera House is still in use. The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston Texas is a historic theater currently operated as a not-for-profit performing arts theater
Tallest buildings:
- Palisade Palms Trade Winds Tower (Under construction)
- Palisade Palms Beach Club (Under construction)
- The Emerald Condominiums (Under construction)
- Ocean Grove Condominiums (Under construction)
- East Beach Resort & Spa (Under construction)
- American National Insurance Company Tower (One Moody Plaza)
- San Luis Resort South Tower
- San Luis Resort North Tower
- The Breakers Condominiums
- The Galvestonian Resort and Condos
- One Shearn Moody Plaza
- US National Bank Building
- By The Sea Condominiums
- John Sealy Hospital Towers at UTMB
- Medical Arts Building (aka Two Moody Plaza)
The Port of Galveston
The Port of Galveston, also called Galveston Wharves, began as a trading post in 1825. American National Insurance Company ( is a major American Insurance Corporation based in Galveston Texas. John Sealy Hospital is a hospital that is a part of the University of Texas Medical Branch complex in Galveston, Texas, United States. The Port of Galveston is the Port of the city of Galveston Texas. The Port of Galveston is the Port of the city of Galveston Texas. Today, the port has grown to 850 acres (3. 4 km²) of port facilities. The port is located on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, on the north side of Galveston Island, with some facilities on Pelican Island. The port has facilities to handle all types of cargo including containers, dry and liquid bulk, breakbulk, RO/RO, refrigerated, and project cargoes. The port of Galveston also serves as a passenger cruise ship terminal for cruise ships operating in the Caribbean.
Geography and climate
Galveston is located at (29. 281137, -94. 825945)[16].
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 208. The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census as defined in Title) is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census 4 square miles (539. The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. 6 km²), of which, 46. Square Kilometre ( US spelling square kilometer) symbol km2, is a decimal multiple of the SI unit of 2 square miles (119. 5 km²) of it is land and 162. 2 square miles (420. 1 km²) of it (77. 85%) is water.
Record high temperature: 104 °F set on September 5, 2000.
Record low temperature: 8 °F set on February 12, 1899.
Greatest one day rainfall: 13. 93 inches set on October 8, 1901.
| Monthly Normal and Record High and Low Temperatures | ||||||||||||
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rec High °F | 78 | 83 | 85 | 92 | 94 | 99 | 101 | 100 | 96 | 94 | 85 | 80 |
| Norm High °F | 61. 9 | 64. 4 | 70 | 75. 2 | 81. 4 | 86. 6 | 88. 7 | 89. 3 | 86. 5 | 79. 7 | 71. 3 | 64. 3 |
| Norm Low °F | 49. 7 | 51. 5 | 58. 2 | 64. 7 | 72. 3 | 77. 8 | 79. 8 | 79. 5 | 75. 6 | 68. 4 | 59. 4 | 51. 8 |
| Rec Low °F | 11 | 8 | 26 | 38 | 52 | 57 | 66 | 67 | 52 | 39 | 26 | 14 |
| Precip (in) | 4. 08 | 2. 61 | 2. 76 | 2. 56 | 3. 7 | 4. 04 | 3. 45 | 4. 22 | 5. 76 | 3. 49 | 3. 64 | 3. 53 |
| Source: USTravelWeather. com [2] | ||||||||||||
Demographics
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 57,247 people, 23,842 households, and 13,732 families residing in the city. A census is the procedure of acquiring information about every member of a given population The population density was 1,240. Population density (in agriculture standing stock and Standing crop) is a measurement of Population per unit area or unit volume 4 people per square mile (478. 9/km²). There were 30,017 housing units at an average density of 650. 4/sq mi (251. 1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 58. 66% White, 25. 49% Black or African American, 0. 42% Native American, 3. 21% Asian, 0. 07% Pacific Islander, 9. 73% from other races, and 2. 41% from two or more races. 25. 77% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Hispanic and Latino Americans are Americans of Hispanic or Latino descent, which comprises ancestry or origins in Hispanic America
There were 23,842 households out of which 26. 3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36. 6% were married couples living together, 16. NOTICE TO WOULD-BE ROMEOS ************** 9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42. 4% were non-families. 35. 6% of all households were made up of individuals and 11. 2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2. 30 and the average family size was 3. 03.
In the city the population was spread out with 23. 4% under the age of 18, 11. 3% from 18 to 24, 29. 8% from 25 to 44, 21. 8% from 45 to 64, and 13. 7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 93. 4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90. 4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $28,895, and the median income for a family was $35,049. Males had a median income of $30,150 versus $26,030 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,275. Per capita income means how much each individual receives in monetary terms of the yearly income generated in the country About 17. 8% of families and 22. 3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32. The poverty threshold, or poverty line, is the minimum level of Income deemed necessary to achieve an adequate Standard of living in a given country 1% of those under age 18 and 14. 2% of those age 65 or over.
Notable Galvestonians
- Nicholas Joseph Clayton (1840-1916), important architect
- Jack Johnson (1878-1946), first black heavyweight boxing champion
- Albert Lasker (1880-1952), advertising mogul and benefactor
- King Vidor (1894-1982), film director
- Douglas Corrigan (1907-1995), Famous aviator also known as "Wrong Way Corrigan"
- Thomas M. Price (1916-1998), Prominent modern architect
- Katherine Helmond (b. Nicholas Joseph Clayton ( November 1, 1840 in Cloyne, County Cork - December 9, 1916 in Galveston Texas) was Arthur John Johnson (March 31 1878 – June 10 1946 better known as Jack Johnson and nicknamed the “Galveston Giant” was an American boxer and Albert Davis Lasker ( May 1, 1880 - May 30, 1952) was an American businessman who is often considered to be the founder of modern Advertising King Wallis Vidor ( February 8, 1894 &ndash November 1, 1982) was an acclaimed American Film director whose career Douglas Corrigan ( January 22, 1907 &ndash December 9, 1995) was an American Aviator born in Galveston, Texas Thomas M Price ( March 17, 1916 &ndash November 6, 1998) has been called " Galveston 's foremost modern Architect " Katherine Marie Helmond (born July 5, 1928, Galveston Texas) is an American Film, Theater and Television 1928), actress
- Kay Bailey Hutchison (b. Kathryn Ann Bailey Hutchison usually known as Kay Bailey Hutchison (born July 22 1943) is the senior United States Senator from 1943), US Senator for Texas
- Valerie Perrine (b. The United States Senate is the Upper house of the bicameral United States Congress, the Lower house being the House of Representatives Valerie Ritchie Perrine (born September 3, 1943) is an Academy Award -nominated American actress and model 1943), actress
- Larry Coryell (b. Larry Coryell (born April 2 1943) is an American Jazz fusion Guitarist. 1943), Jazz guitarist
- Barry White (1944-2003), soul singer
- Jonathan Pollard (b. Barry Eugene White (born Barrence Eugene Carter, &ndash) was an American Record producer, Songwriter and Singer. Soul music is a Music genre that combines Rhythm and blues and Gospel music, originating in the United States. Jonathan Jay Pollard (born August 7, 1954 in Galveston, Texas) is a convicted Israeli Spy and a former United States 1954), spy for Israel
- Bill Engvall (b. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. Bill Engvall (born July 27[[ 957]] in Galveston Texas) is an American comedian best known for his work as a stand-up comic and as a member of 1957), comedian, born in Galveston but raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
- Rodnick Phillips (b. The Dallas – Fort Worth – Arlington metropolitan area, a title designated by the U 1977), NFL player
- Mikhael Ricks (b. Mikhael Roy Ricks (born November 14, 1974 in Galveston, Texas) is a former National Football League Tight end / Wide 1974), NFL player
- Steve McKinney (b. Stephen Michael McKinney (born October 15, 1975 in) is an American football Offensive lineman who is currently a Free agent. 1975), NFL player
- John H. Murphy (1913-2007), newspaperman for seventy-four years
- Damon Jones (b. John Hulen Murphy I ( February 23, 1913 - September 29, 2007) a Newspaperman for seventy-four years was the longtime executive vice Damon Darron Jones (born August 25 1976 in Galveston Texas) is an American professional Basketball player of the NBA and currently a free agent 1976), NBA player
- Michael Bishop (b. 1976), CFL player
- Casey Hampton (b. Casey Hampton Jr (born September 3 1977 in Galveston Texas) is an American Football Nose tackle who currently plays for the 1977), NFL player
- Brandon Backe (b. Brandon Allen Backe (born April 5, 1978 in Galveston Texas) is a Starting pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Houston 1978), MLB player
- Greg Randall (b. 1978), NFL player
- Javon Walker (b. Javon Lataff Walker (born October 14, 1978 in Galveston Texas) is an American football Wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders 1978), NFL player
- Randy Hymes (b. Randy Hymes (born August 7 1979 in Galveston, Texas) is a Wide receiver Free agent, and attended Grambling State 1979), NFL player
- Felix Cora Jr. (b. 1980), professional boxer
- Derrek Pope (b. 1982), NFL player
- Angela Beyince (b. Angela Jeanine Beyincé (born December 16, 1982 in Galveston Texas) is an American Songwriter and Personal assistant to 1982), Songwriter
- Alex McLeod (b. Alexandra Ann McLeod is an American television host and entertainment news correspondent best known for being the original host of TLC ’s hit cable show 1968), actress
- Regina Thompson (b. ???), 22 time World Champion Women's Karate
- Jimmy Kessler - the first Native Texan to assume the leadership of Congregation B'nai Israel
- Olga Samaroff (1880-1948), classical pianist and teacher
- Eileen Sedgwick (1898-1991), actress
- Tony Buzbee(b. Rabbi James Lee "Jimmy" Kessler (born December 10, 1945) the founder of the Texas Jewish Historical Society, is the first Native Texan Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. Congregation B'nai Israel (בני ישראל in Hebrew) is a Jewish Synagogue located in Galveston Texas, USA Olga Samaroff ( August 8, 1880 &ndash May 17, 1948) was a Pianist, Music critic, and teacher Eileen Sedgwick ( 17 October, 1898 &ndash 15 March, 1991) was an American actress of the silent era. 1968), Prominent Attorney whose principal office is in Galveston.
- George P. Mitchell (b. George Phydias Mitchell (born 1919 is an American businessman and real estate developer from Texas 1919), American business man and real estate developer
Transportation
Island Transit, which also runs the Galveston Island Trolley, operates Galveston Island's public transportation services. Island Transit is a Public transit company operating in Galveston Texas. Galveston Island Trolley is a Heritage streetcar in Galveston Texas.
Interstate 45 Starts in Galveston and serves as a main artery to Galveston from mainland Galveston County and Houston. Interstate 45 (I-45 is an Interstate Highway located entirely within the U FM 3005 connects Galveston to Brazoria County via the San Luis Pass-Vacek toll bridge. Brazoria County is a County in the US state of Texas located on the Gulf Coast within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan And State Highway 87, via the free Bolivar Ferry, connects the island to the Bolivar Peninsula. State Highway 87 or SH 87 runs for 2494 miles between Galveston Texas (at a terminus shared with Interstate 45 and Spur 342) to U
Scholes International Airport at Galveston, a general aviation and military airport, is located in Galveston. Scholes International Airport at Galveston is an Airport located in Galveston, Texas, United States.
Greyhound Bus Lines serves Galveston Station [3]. Greyhound Lines is an intercity Common carrier of passengers by Bus serving over 3700 destinations in the United States.
Galveston in pop culture
The Jimmy Buffett song, "Who's the Blonde Stranger?" and Jimmy Webb's "Galveston" (popularized by Glen Campbell) are set in or refer to Galveston, as are ZZ Top's "Balinese", Greg Trooper used Galveston in a song called No Higher Ground (in reference to the 1900 Galveston Hurricane), Dierks Bentley's "I Can Only Think of One", Gene Autry's "Gallivantin' Galveston Gal" and R.E.M.:s "Houston". James William "Jimmy" Buffett (born December 25 1946) is a Singer, Songwriter, Author, Businessman, and recently Jimmy Layne Webb is an American songwriter From his initial success with " Up Up and Away," " By the Time I Get to Phoenix," " Wichita "Galveston" is the title of a 1969 song written by Jimmy Webb and popularized by Glen Campbell. Glen Travis Campbell (born April 22 1936 in Delight, Arkansas) is a Grammy Award, Dove Award winning and two time nominated Golden ZZ Top (ˌziːziːˈtɒp is an American rock band formed in late 1969 in Houston Texas. Dierks Bentley (born November 20, 1975, in Phoenix Arizona) is an American Country music artist Orvon Gene Autry ( September 29 1907 &ndash October 2 1998) was an American performer who gained fame as The Singing Cowboy REM is an American rock band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 by Michael Stipe ( lead vocals) Peter Buck ( Guitar
The Galveston shoreline was the filming location for the infamous beach-driving scene between Jack Nicholson and Shirley MacLaine in the 1983 Oscar-winning film Terms of Endearment. John Joseph "Jack" Nicholson (born April 22 1937) is an American Actor, internationally renowned for his often dark-themed portrayals Shirley MacLaine (born April 24, 1934) is an American Academy Award -winning Film and Theater Actress, well-known
Rapper DMX shot the music video for "Party Up (In Here)" at the Frost Bank in Galveston. [17]
Education
Colleges and universities
The city is home to three post-secondary institutions: Galveston College (a junior college opened in 1967), Texas A&M University at Galveston, and University of Texas Medical Branch. Galveston College ( GC) is a comprehensive Community college located on Galveston Island in Galveston, Texas, United States Texas A&M University at Galveston is as an ocean-oriented branch campus of Texas A&M University offering courses in Marine biology, Marine fisheries The University of Texas Medical Branch ( UTMB) is a component of the University of Texas System located in Galveston Texas, about 50 miles (80 km
Primary and secondary schools
Public schools
The city of Galveston is served by Galveston Independent School District. Ball High School is a public Secondary school in Galveston, Texas, United States. Galveston Independent School District is a School district based in Galveston, Texas ( USA)
GISD Elementary Schools
- Burnet Elementary School (PK-5)
- L.A. Morgan Elementary School (PK-5)
- Greta Oppe Elementary School (PK-5)
- Gladnieo Parker Elementary School (PK-5)
- Henry Rosenberg Elementary School (PK-5)
- Charles B. Scott Elementary School (PK-5)
GISD Middle Schools
- Austin Middle School (6-8)
- Central Middle School (6-8)
- Weis Middle School (6-8)
GISD High School
- Ball High School (9-12)
State charter schools
State charter schools are state-funded schools not affiliated with the local school district. Ball High School is a public Secondary school in Galveston, Texas, United States. Charter schools are elementary or secondary schools in the United States that receive public money but
- Ambassadors Preparatory Academy [18] (K through 5th)
- Odyssey Academy [19] (Pre-K through 8th)
Private schools
Elementary
- Galveston Catholic School (K through 8th) - operated by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. O'Connell College Preparatory School (formerly O'Connell High School is a 4-year coeducational parochial/private high school in Galveston, Texas, United States The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston (Latin Archidioecesis Galvestoniensis Houstoniensis) encompasses 8880 square miles of ten counties
- Satori Elementary School [20] (K through 6th) - non-religious, parent cooperative school.
- Trinity Episcopal School[21] (Pre-K through 8th) - operated by the Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Church is the official name of the Province of the Anglican Communion in the United States.
High School
K through 12th
- Heritage Christian Academy (K through 12th)
- Seaside Christian Academy[22] (K through 12th) - Located in Galveston, affiliated with Seaside Baptist Church in Jamaica Beach
Public libraries
The city is served by the Rosenberg Library. O'Connell College Preparatory School (formerly O'Connell High School is a 4-year coeducational parochial/private high school in Galveston, Texas, United States Jamaica Beach is a city in Galveston County, Texas, United States. Rosenberg Library is a public library serving Galveston Texas is the oldest continuously operating library in Texas. Rosenberg Library is a public library serving Galveston Texas is the oldest continuously operating library in Texas. [23]
Postal service
The United States Postal Service operates three post offices in Galveston:
- Galveston Main Post Office - 601 25th Street, 77550-9998
- Bob Lyons Post Office Station - 5826 Broadway Street, 77551-9998
- Medical Branch Unit on the campus of the University of Texas Medical Branch, 77555-9998
In November 2007 a Contract Postal Unit opened inside a local business in Jamaica Beach. The University of Texas Medical Branch ( UTMB) is a component of the University of Texas System located in Galveston Texas, about 50 miles (80 km Jamaica Beach is a city in Galveston County, Texas, United States. [24]
- West Galveston Contract Unit (77554-9998) - Bob Smith Drive near FM 3005.
Community information
The Galveston County Department of Parks and Senior Services operates the Galveston Community Center at 2201 Avenue L. [25]
The Galveston County YMCA is located in Galveston. The Young Men's Christian Association (" YMCA " or " the Y " was founded on June 6, 1844 in London England by a young man
Sister cities
Galveston has five sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International:
Notes
- ^ a b American FactFinder. Sister Cities International is a Non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and fostering Town twinning, especially between cities in the United States Thiruvananthapuram ( Malayalam: തിരുവനന്തപുരം Tiruvanantapuraṁ) also known as Trivandrum, is the capital of the India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country The city of Veracruz is a major port city and municipality on the Gulf of Mexico in the Mexican state of Veracruz. The United Mexican States ( or commonly Mexico (ˈmɛksɪkoʊ () is a federal constitutional Republic in North America. is a city and municipality in the county of Rogaland, Norway. Norway ( Norwegian: Norge ( Bokmål) or Noreg ( Nynorsk) officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Constitutional is the capital and the most populous city of Niigata Prefecture, Japan. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Cape Town (Kaapstad Xhosa: Ikapa) is the second most populous city in South Africa, forming part of the metropolitan municipality of the The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa United States Census Bureau. The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census as defined in Title) is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census Retrieved on 2008-01-31. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes
- ^ US Board on Geographic Names. United States Geological Survey (2007-10-25). The United States Geological Survey ( USGS) is a scientific agency of the United States government. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1147 - The Portuguese, under Afonso I, and Crusaders from England and Flanders conquer Lisbon after a Retrieved on 2008-01-31. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes
- ^ http://www.scottarnoldpc.com/br/historyofBalinese.htm
- ^ The Galveston County Daily News
- ^ a b McComb, David G. : Galveston A History, University of Texas Press, 1986, 293 pp. , ISBN 978-0-292-72053-4
- ^ Bahia de Galvez-towm, de Evia, 1809-19, The Antiquarium Antique Print & Map Gallery, Houston, Texas, retrieved 14 Feb 2008
- ^ Galveston Laboratory Home
- ^ http://http://galvestondailynews.com/history.lasso
- ^ http://galveston.com.com/aboutus
- ^ Find a County. National Association of Counties. Retrieved on 2008-01-31. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes
- ^ [1]
- ^ http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/4571804.html] ("Workers in Galveston increasingly can't afford to live there", Houston Chronicle, February 22, 2007)
- ^ The Galveston County Daily News
- ^ "The Breakfast Club," The Houston Press
- ^ http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/070601/next.shtml
- ^ US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990. The Houston Chronicle is the largest daily Newspaper in Texas, USA. The Houston Press is an Alternative weekly Newspaper published in Houston Texas. United States Census Bureau (2005-05-03). The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census as defined in Title) is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1491 - Kongo monarch Nkuwu Nzinga is baptised by Portuguese missionaries adopting the baptismal name of João Retrieved on 2008-01-31. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes
- ^ Music Video on YouTube (Take a look at fire trucks as they say Galveston Fire Department)
- ^ Ambassador Preparatory Academy
- ^ Odyssey Academy: Pre-K to 8th Texas Charter School
- ^ satorischool.com :: this domain is for sale
- ^ Trinity Episcopal School
- ^ Welcome New VizaWeb Client
- ^ Rosenberg Library
- ^ The Galveston County Daily News
- ^ Facilities Overview. " Galveston County Department of Parks and Senior Services.
Sources
Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson, New York: Vintage Books, 2000.
External links
- City of Galveston government site
- Galveston Island Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Galveston, Texas from the Handbook of Texas Online
- Galveston Hurricane of 1900 from the Handbook of Texas Online
- Galveston Chamber of Commerce
- Galveston Island State Park
- The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
- Texas A&M University at Galveston
- Galveston College
- Galveston Independent School District
- The Galveston County Daily News
- Galveston Shriner's Hospital
- The early history of Galveston, by Dr. J. O. Dyer, published 1916, hosted by the Portal to Texas History
- Galveston Railroad Museum
- Galveston Symphony Orchestra
- Texas Seaport Museum
- History of Galveston
- Bio of Isaac Monroe Cline
- High resolution photos of the disaster
- Dickens on the Strand
- Historical Galveston Architecture
- Mardi Gras Galveston Island
- Galveston music scene
- International Oleander Society
- South and West Texas, a National Park Service Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary
- Galveston, Texas is at coordinates Coordinates:
 |
Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown METROPOLITAN AREA |
|---|---|
| Counties | Austin | Brazoria | Chambers | Fort Bend | Galveston | Harris | Liberty | Montgomery | San Jacinto | Waller |
| "Principal" cities |
Houston | Sugar Land | Baytown | Galveston |
| Cities and towns |
Alvin | Angleton | Bellaire | Cleveland | Clute | Conroe | Dayton | Deer Park | Dickinson | Freeport | Friendswood | Galena Park | Hitchcock | Hempstead | Humble | Jacinto City | Jersey Village | Katy | Lake Jackson | La Marque | La Porte | League City | Liberty | Meadows Place | Missouri City | Pasadena | Pearland | Richmond | Rosenberg | Santa Fe | Seabrook | Sealy | South Houston | Stafford | Texas City | Tomball | Webster | West University Place |
| Unincorporated areas | Atascocita | Channelview | Cloverleaf | Cypress | Klein | Spring | The Woodlands |
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