If you have a love for the outdoors, chances are you’ve weighed the pros and cons of living near the beach. Located about 50 miles from Houston, Galveston affords plenty of opportunity to bask in the sun as a solitary retreat or enjoy your time with family and friends. There’s plenty of tourism in Galveston, and as it’s part of the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area, making it a popular “stay-cation” spot or new home for many who live and work in Houston.
However, Galveston, though it has no loss for things to do on both Galveston Island and Pelican Island, doesn’t only offer tourism. It’s a staple in the health care community, too, with natural ties to both commercial shipping and finance. The UT Medical branch in Galveston has more than 2500 students, creating a major economic force in this area, and ties nicely to jobs and further schooling in Houston’s impressive Medical District.
Part of Galveston’s appeal, however, is in its rich history. It definitely has all the charm of a miniature New Orleans—in fact Galveston has 6 historic districts, lots of 19th century buildings, and more than 60 structures listed on the national register of historic places.
Originally settled by Karankawa and Akokisa Native Americans, in 1528 Cabeza de Vaca and his crew were shipwrecked here, calling Galveston the Isla de Malhado, or Island of Doom. Galveston received yet another name from Bernardo de Galvez y Madrid, the Spanish Count of Galvez—hence its present christening—but was temporarily besieged by French pirates to help Mexico fight for its independence from Spain. According to the Texas State Historical Association, a rival pirate, Jean Lafitte, seized the island in 1817, declaring it a pirate kingdom, which he called “Campeche,” and anointing himself leader. In 1821, the United States Navy took Galveston back from Lafitte.
But, Galveston’s rich history doesn’t stop there! During the Texas Revolution, it was a main port for the Texas Navy and the capitol of the Republic of Texas. The Institute of Southern Jewish Life also tell us that it was a ‘port of entry’ in the 1840’s that attracted many German and Jewish immigrants and these groups, along with ethnic Mexican residents, opposed slavery and supported the Union during the Civil War. Union sympathizers allowed Union troops to occupy Galveston until the Battle of Galveston in 1863. During Reconstruction, Galveston attracted Freedmen and the Freedmen’s Bureau came to be headquartered there. It’s a one-of-a-kind place!
And that’s all before the 20th Century! There’s plenty more to learn, so be sure to top and visit the Galveston Historical Foundation for educational activities on one of your beach days to learn all about the amazing things that have happened here!
No comments yet.