One of Texas's most popular year-round coastal destinations, Galveston is an island in the Gulf of Mexico 50 miles southeast of Houston, connected to the mainland by a causeway and bridge. The island is a marriage of the best of both worlds: it is both city and seaside resort. It offers historical and cultural attractions, as well as swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The restored Victorian Strand district, resort hotels, and beachfront businesses give a commercial feel to the north end of the island, while miles of private and rental residences on the southern end offer solitude and open beach access.



Once one of the world's great port cities, Galveston was nearly devastated by a hurricane in 1900. More than 6,000 residents were killed by the storm, and many structures were demolished. The hurricane prompted city officials to raise the island and add a seawall, making Galveston a safe place to visit today. After the 1900 hurricane and the opening of the Houston ship channel, Galveston lost its position as Texas's busiest seaport and the street known as the Strand -- formerly the site of stores, offices, and warehouses -- faded as a bustling center of commerce.

In the 1950s, preservationists launched Galveston's renaissance by restoring stately homes and building up commercial districts with modern facilities. The Strand, now on the National Register of Historic Places, has one of the largest collections of historic buildings in the country. A resort city with a southern flair, Galveston is a petite and blended version of New Orleans and Charleston.

Galveston Texas History

When first explored by Europeans, the island was an Akokisa Indian site. The Karankawa Indians used the island for hunting and fishing. Pirate Jean Laffite established a settlement in 1817. During the Texas Revolution the harbor served as the port for the Texas navy. Following the war, a group of investors obtained ownership of land at the harbor to found a town in 1838, and the following year the Texas legislature granted incorporation to the city of Galveston. Early years gave city many firsts in Texas: first Roman Catholic convent, first electric lights, and first medical college. Disastrous Galveston storm of 1900, the entire island was inundated during a hurricane, which claimed more than 6,000 lives. A seawall was built two years later, presently 10 miles long, it has proved its staying power several times over. Galveston Island offers 32 miles of beach and also is a treasure trove of things historically Texan. Details available at the Galveston Island Visitors Centers. Many city parks, picnic areas and recreation centers offer playground equipment, athletic fields, tennis courts, and golf courses. Seat of Galveston County, major port, tourist, and convention center. Home of Univ. of Texas Medical Branch, Texas A&M Univ. at Galveston, and Galveston College.

This Week's Hot Tips:
Infrequent Travelers
Maximize Flier Mileage II
Maximize Flier Mileage III
Maximize Flier Mileage IV
Must Have Must Know:
Master List of Hotel Chains
Hotel Management Companies
Hotel Rep Firms
Corporate Housing