A brief history of the Galveston Hurricane of 1900

By Melanie Nonmacher

There's something about Galveston that just gets under your skin, isn't there? Whether it's the feel of warm sand beneath your feet, the soft murmur of the waves, or the sight of seagulls soaring over the water, this little slice of paradise on the Gulf Coast has a habit of capturing hearts. But there's more to Galveston than stunning sunsets and delicious seafood. Our island is steeped in history, and one of the most dramatic chapters of our past is the Galveston Hurricane of 1900.

Just a little more than a century ago, on September 8, 1900, Galveston was hit by one of the deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history. It was a Category 4 hurricane, packing winds of 145 miles per hour. The storm surge reached a terrifying 15 feet, inundating our beautiful island. It's hard to imagine today, as you walk along our tranquil beaches, that such a catastrophic event took place here.

Before the hurricane, Galveston was a thriving port city, known as the "Queen City of the Gulf." With its elegant Victorian architecture and bustling harbors, it was the largest city in Texas. But the hurricane changed everything. An estimated 8,000 to 12,000 people lost their lives. Buildings were flattened, ships were tossed ashore, and the entire city was left in ruins.

But Galveston, as we all know, is more than just a place - it's a community. And in the face of such unimaginable disaster, our community rallied. In the aftermath of the storm, the survivors set about rebuilding their homes and their lives. With remarkable determination and courage, they raised the entire city by as much as 17 feet, constructing a seawall to protect against future storms.

Today, the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 is a testament to the resilience and spirit of our island. It's a story of survival and rebirth, a story that's woven into the fabric of our community. As you stroll down our historic streets, past the grand old homes that have stood the test of time, you can feel the echoes of our past. Every brick, every plank of wood, tells a story of resilience and determination.

So the next time you're enjoying a sunset on the beach or dining in one of our fantastic local restaurants, take a moment to remember the events of September 8, 1900. Remember the lives lost, the city that was, and the city that rose again. It's a part of our history, a part of who we are as Galvestonians. And it's yet another reason why Galveston is such a special place to live and visit.

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