Feature Destinations - Galveston, Texas
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by Carl Burnham

The romance combined with the heritage of the barrier reef island attracts many to Galveston every year. From our recent visit to the island, we were impressed with the range of attractions and unique history. With 32 miles of beaches, Victorian architecture, art galleries, museums, antiques and attractions at every corner, Galveston is also a leading Texas port for industry and now cruise lines.

The island has been home to the Karankawa and Akokisa Indians, the pirate Jean Lafitte, the super rich, a few ghosts, and many historic firsts.

The city almost did not survive what was to become known as "The Great Storm of 1900", still unmatched in ferocity to any other hurricane to ever impact the United States . Winds on that September 8th were estimated at 140 mph at the height of the storm, with extensive flooding and damage to homes and buildings. Many did not survive, with over 6,000 losing their lives in Galveston (1 out of every 5). The sun shone bright the next day, and the extent of the damage was shocking. Like a phoenix though, the Galveston residents were determined to rebuild no matter what the price. Oleander was planted throughout the city, soon gaining it the nickname of the " Oleander City ." Over an eight year period, the grade of the city was raised, with buildings raised up to 20 feet, with sand pumped in from the Bay as fill-in underneath, and the 17 foot seawall was slowly built. It proved to be well worth the cost, as a strong hurricane 15 years later resulted in 8 deaths and only minimal damage. While at Pier 21, be sure to watch the short film, The Great Storm, which includes rare film of the 1900 damage by Thomas Edison's assistant.

Through the preservation efforts of local residents and historic groups such as the Galveston Historical Foundation, neighborhoods are lined with the finest examples of Victorian homes in the country.

The Moody Mansion, built in 1895, was acquired by W. L. Moody, Jr. for the miniscule sum of $20,000 less than a week following the 1900 storm. The Moody family has been instrumental in the character of the city and Texas, with their varied business interests including insurance, hotels, banking, ranching, and with numerous charities. The Moody Mansion is only matched in scale and grandeur by the Bishop's Palace, which was built in 1886 by politician and railroad owner, Colonel Walter Gresham. The Bishop's Palace is designated as 1 of 100 outstanding buildings in the country by the American Institute of Architects and has a massive one-of-a-kind mahogany staircase, with ornate wood, rosewood, satinwood and stained glass throughout. The fireplaces within the house have won numerous awards, and attention to detail is represented throughout. Another of the houses to see is the Ashton Villa, circa 1859, the oldest on Broadway. The house was built by the famed railroad tycoon, merchant and banker, James Moreau Brown. The Ashton Villa is the first brick house built in Texas, and is one of the many houses that was saved from demolition by the Galveston Historic Foundation. It is a National Trust Save America Treasures site.


The Tall Ship Elissa, as seen from our helicopter. View more of our aerial photos here.

Galveston has over 60 firsts for Texas, including:
first post office, electric lights, medical college, hospital, and brick house.


Follow along with us as we venture into downtown and the Historic Strand district, containing extensive examples of Victorian buildings, the largest range of cast iron-faced Victorian buildings anywhere in the country.