Hurricane History
by msbrandysue
Galveston takes pride in its recovery from the most devastating natural distaster in US history. You can see many of the memorials and landmarks on the Seawall. There are also more references at the Pier 21 museum. The Galveston Hurricane of 1900 made landfall on the city of Galveston, Texas on September 8, 1900. It had estimated winds of 135 mph (215 km/h) at landfall, making it a Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.
The hurricane caused great loss of life. The death toll has been estimated to be between 6,000 and 12,000 individuals; the number most cited in official reports is 8,000, giving the storm the third-highest number of casualties of any Atlantic hurricane, after the Great Hurricane of 1780 and 1998’s Hurricane Mitch. The Galveston Hurricane of 1900 is to date the deadliest natural disaster ever to strike the United States. By contrast, the second-deadliest storm to strike the United States, the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane, caused approximately 2,500 deaths, and the deadliest storm of recent times, Hurricane Katrina, claimed the lives of approximately 1,800 people.
The hurricane occurred before the practice of assigning official code names to tropical storms was instituted, and thus it is commonly referred to under a variety of descriptive names. Typical names for the storm include the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, the Great Galveston Hurricane, and, especially in older documents, the Galveston Flood. It is often referred to by Galveston locals as The Great Storm or The 1900 Storm.
-Taken From Wikipedia
Fun in the Sun
by msbrandysue
Must...wear...sunglasses! The sun is bright, especially with sand and water reflections. Don't forget a hat to keep the sun out of your face! It also helps wherever your part is. I get sunburned easily so my scalp peels and it looks like dandruff so I always wear a hat!
If you decide to wear jeans to the beach make sure not to get them wet because they take FOREVER to dry and the one time I did I was annoyed all day long as I waited for them to dry. The water also makes them heavier and when sight-seeing it makes it more difficult.
Especially for children I would recommend water shoes for all those shells and jelly fish parts left on the sand...I had a bad childhood experiment. Shell went right through my foot. Please don't forget your sunscreen! We all know the effects of too much sun-damage on our skin!
Don't forget your water either! Especially in the summer it's very easy to get dehydrated which will lead to heat stroke or worse. I've seen it happen many times. Be on the safe side! Drink plenty of water while at the beach or touring historic parts of the island. Beware that a drop of water can ruin that digital camera. If you're going to take your camera to the beach you might pick up a water-proof case for it. I mean...if you've spent hundreds of dollars on that camera you might as well help keep it working. If you're going to the beach don't forget your towel, suit, etc. If you have kids I'd bring a boogie board in advance or else you'll be buying one down there. Everyone seems to have one and if not they end up going across the street for one.
Mosquito repellent after dark is a MUST!
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
by msbrandysue
You will see this beautiful, bright, white building across the street from Bishop's palace. In fact, we parked here.
From the Texas Historical Commission marker:
The earliest Catholic services in the Galveston area were conducted in 1838. In 1884, as a result of the church's growth under the direction of such leaders as Bishop J. M. Odin, the Galveston Diocese established Sacred Heart as the fourth church on the island. Services for Sacred Heart Church were held in the St. Mary's University building until 1892, when the parish's first structure was completed. Designed by the noted Galveston architect Nicholas J. Clayton, it was destroyed in the 1900 hurricane. The present building, the second for the parish, was constructed in 1903-04 during the pastorate of the Rev. D. J. Murphy. A prominent landmark in the city, it features ornate octagonal towers, flying buttresses, elaborate ornamentation, and a variety of arches. The design reflects influences of the Moorish, Byzantine, Gothic and Romanesque styles. The building's original dome, damaged in a 1915 hurricane, was redesigned by Nicholas Clayton. Sacred Heart Church has played a significant role in the growth and development of Galveston. Since the 1880s, many of the city's prominent business, professional, civic and religious leaders have been associated with the parish. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1981
Best Steak on the Island
by larsy about DiBella's
Tucked away in a neighboorhood, DiBellla's is often missed by visitors, an that is a shame as this is the best steak on the Island. Splurge for the extra crabmeat topping it is worth it. BUT dont forget cash because they dont take credit card or non-local check Crab topped Steak
Fort Travis
by Tdawg40sw
Located on Point Bolivar, Fort Travis was mainly a coastal artillery battery. Fort Travis commanded the northern side of the entrance to Galveston Bay and had several batteries. Battery Kimball contained two 12-inch guns. Battery Davis contained two 8-inch guns. Battery Ernst contained two 3-inch guns. These batteries were supported by various fire-control structures, and radar in the 1940s.
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There is a theater though
A pirate???
Beware...I warned you!
imagine this place at Mardi Gras!
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