A brief history of the Galveston Hurricane of 1900

By Melanie Nonmacher

Hello, dear islanders and friends of Galveston! Today, let us take a moment to reflect on a pivotal event in our beloved island’s history - the Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900. This catastrophic event altered the course of our island's history, but it also showcased the resilience and spirit of our community, a spirit that continues to define Galveston to this day.

It was September 8, 1900, a day that would go down in history as the day our paradise faced one of the deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history. An estimated Category 4 hurricane swept over the island with winds whipping at an estimated 145 miles per hour. The weather forecast from the newly formed U.S. Weather Bureau failed to predict the severity of the storm, leaving our island community unprepared for the disaster that was about to unfold.

The storm surge, a towering wall of water, devastated Galveston Island, leveling homes, businesses, and landmarks in its path. The water rose to heights of over 15 feet, submerging the entire island and leaving only the highest points of the large homes on Broadway above water. The devastation was unimaginable. It's estimated that between 6,000 and 8,000 people lost their lives, making it the deadliest hurricane in U.S. history.

But just as the storm had brought destruction, it also brought a fierce determination to rebuild and reclaim our island home. In the wake of the disaster, Galvestonians undertook an incredible feat of engineering. They raised the island’s elevation by as much as 17 feet and built a formidable seawall, over three miles long, to protect against future storms. The seawall, which stands to this day, is a testament to the perseverance of our people and a symbol of Galveston’s enduring strength.

Today, as we stroll down the Strand, enjoy a meal at one of our local seafood restaurants, or watch the sunset over the Gulf from the porch of a historic beach house, it's hard to imagine the devastation that once swept over this island. Yet, the history of the Great Galveston Hurricane is a part of our shared story, a testament to our resilience, and a reminder of our respect for the power and beauty of the ocean that surrounds us.

Looking at our thriving, vibrant community today, it's clear that Galveston didn't just survive the Great Hurricane of 1900, we grew stronger because of it. As we remember this pivotal event in our history, let's also remember how it shaped us, how it brought us together, and how it made us the resilient, spirited island community we are today. As Galvestonians, we carry the memory of the Great Storm in our hearts, a reminder of our past, and a testament to our future.

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