A Quick Guide to the History of Galveston Island

Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston, Texas, is a charming island with a rich history. From its humble beginnings as a haven for pirates and explorers to its rise as a prominent port city and a devastating encounter with nature, the island's story is one of resilience, innovation, and community spirit.

When you stay at a Sand N’ Sea vacation home in Galveston and walk along the streets of the Strand Historic District, it’s hard to miss the history enmeshed in its National Historic Landmarks, architecture, and museums. Join us on a journey through time as we unravel the fascinating Galveston history and uncover the landmarks and treasures that still captivate visitors today!

Below, we’re breaking down a brief history of Galveston with ideas for where you can go to learn more about the stories and legends of the island.

Early Galveston Island History

Before the earliest explorers arrived in Galveston, Karankawa Indians lived along the shore of the island. While the population rapidly declined after the settlers came in, the Karankawa later fought with Texas during the Texas Revolution in the 1830s.

It’s thought that Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca may have been the first Spanish explorer to be shipwrecked here in 1528, but it wasn’t until a couple of centuries later that Galveston was officially established as a city.

The Beginnings of Galveston: Pirates & Ports

In the late 1700s, the Spanish governor of Louisiana, Bernardo de Galvez, sent troops to check out the Texas Coast. One of the surveyors, Jose de Evia, named the island in honor of Galvez.

A period of pirates came next for the island, though much of the history is shrouded in mystery and legend. One known pirate who hung out here for a while is the privateer Jean Lafitte, who built a small community and raided the trade ships that passed through the area. When he left, he burned down his colony, but lore says some of his loot is still buried around the island.

Settlement began in the 1830s, when a town was laid out, and Galveston was officially established as a city. Thanks to the deep-water port and trade, Texas’ newfound independence from Mexico, and industrial development, Galveston prospered greatly during this time. The city even served as the capital of the Republic of Texas for a short period.

Throughout the mid-1800s, the city of Galveston became a big port of entry to the U.S., with hundreds of thousands of Europeans immigrating through the island. A historical marker about this time has stood on The Strand since the 1990s in front of the old U.S. Customs House.

The Civil War and Juneteenth

During the American Civil War, Galveston played a crucial role as a significant supply port for the Confederate States Army. In October 1862, a Union fleet captured the city, only to be reclaimed by Confederate forces just a few months later.

On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger with the Union Army announced the liberation of the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas, representing one of the final groups to gain freedom in the U.S.

Juneteenth, now a national holiday, holds profound significance as it commemorates the end of slavery for Southern slaves in Galveston. This historical milestone occurred more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Each June, Galveston holds special Juneteenth celebrations and parades to commemorate the day.

The Great Storm

The island's resilience was put to the test in 1900 when one of the deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history struck. The Great Storm, a devastating hurricane, claimed thousands of lives and reshaped the landscape of Galveston, destroying most of the booming city’s infrastructure.

In the aftermath, Galveston implemented innovative engineering solutions, including the construction of the Seawall, a now 10-mile long and 17-foot high protective barrier, and the raising of buildings to protect against future storms.

Modern Day Galveston

Today, Galveston, TX, continues to evolve and grow while retaining its historic charm. The city's dedication to preserving its architectural heritage is evident in the numerous historic neighborhoods and buildings, such as the East End Historic District and the Downtown Historic Strand Seaport Area, which were designated National Historic Landmarks.

The island's cultural scene is also vibrant, with museums and festivals like Mardi Gras Galveston in February and Dickens on The Strand, an annual Victorian-themed festival in December that transports visitors to the 19th century with costumed characters, live entertainment, and shopping.

Exploring Galveston’s History

Visitors to Galveston have a lot of options for learning more about the history of the island, from museums to historic walking tours. Below, we’ve rounded up a few of the top attractions and activities that delve into Galveston’s history and heritage.

The Galveston Historical Foundation

The Galveston Historical Foundation is one of the best sources for learning about local heritage. With roots dating to 1871, the organization serves to redevelop and preserve the buildings and legacy of the island.

The properties managed by the foundation include several that are open for visitors to explore. One of the top places to visit is the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, a National Historic Landmark and floating museum in the Galveston Historic Seaport.

Bryan Museum

For those with a passion for history and a desire to explore a comprehensive collection of artifacts, the Bryan Museum stands as a testament to Galveston's past. Located in the old Galveston Orphans Home, the museum presents one of the largest collections in the world about the history of Texas and the American West. It’s a great spot to learn more about regional heritage while surrounded by the history of Galveston in a restored building.

The extensive collection spans some 12,000 years of Texas history and includes Native American artifacts, art pieces from the Old West, rare books from Texas literature, and cowboy artifacts like saddles, chaps, spurs, and more.

Visitors can immerse themselves in exhibits that showcase the island's maritime heritage, the impact of the Great Storm, and the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Galveston. The Bryan Museum's commitment to education and preservation makes it an invaluable resource for anyone eager to delve into the island's multifaceted history.

Galveston Seawall

The Galveston Seawall is a piece of island history that you can casually explore while sightseeing or hanging out on the beach. The first parts of the retaining wall were constructed after the Great Storm of 1900, and today, the structure stretches for about 10 miles along the coast.

In addition to its job as a barrier for storms and high water, the Seawall makes a great walking path along the beach, passing popular attractions like the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, the 61st Street Fishing Pier, and Babe’s Beach.

East End Historic District