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Wednesday, March 19, 2008

GALVESTON...VISITED ON......21.11.2007

 

 

 

GALVESTON...VISITED   ON......21.11.2007

 

 

 

10 Education 11 Postal service 12 Community information 13 Sister cities 14 Notes 15 External links

[edit] History

[edit] Exploration and settlement

The city in 1871.
The city in 1871.

Galveston island was originally inhabited by members of the Karankawa and Akokisa tribes. The Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca was shipwrecked on the island in 1528 and there began his famous trek to Mexico. In the late 1600s, the French explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle claimed the area for Louis XIV and named it Saint-Louis.

The island was named in honor of Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid, Count of Gálvez, in 1785 by Spanish explorer José de Evia, who charted the Gulf Coast. The first permanent European settlements on the island were constructed around 1816 by the pirate Louis-Michel Aury as a base of operations to support Mexico's rebellion against Spain. In 1817 Aury returned from an unsuccessful raid against Spain to find Galveston occupied by the pirate Jean Lafitte, who took up residence there after having been driven from his stronghold in Barataria Bay off the coast of New Orleans, Louisiana. Lafitte organized Galveston into a pirate "kingdom" he called "Campeachy" (or "Campeche"), anointing himself the island's "head of government." Lafitte remained in Galveston until 1821 when he and his raiders were given an ultimatum by the United States Navy: leave or be destroyed. Lafitte burned his settlement to the ground and sailed under cover of night for parts unknown. There are still rumors that Lafitte's treasure is buried somewhere between Galveston Island, Bolivar Peninsula and High Island.

Following its successful revolution from Spain, Mexico designated Galveston a port of entry in 1825, erecting a customs house in 1830. During the Texas Revolution, Galveston served as the main port for the Texas navy. Galveston also served briefly as the capital of the Republic of Texas in 1836.

In 1836, Michel B. Menard, a native of Canada, along with several associates purchased 4,605 acres (18.64 km²) of land for $50,000 from the Austin Colony to found the town that would become the modern city of Galveston. Menard and his associates began selling plots on April 20, 1838. In 1839, the City of Galveston adopted a charter and was incorporated by the Congress of the Republic of Texas.

The Battle of Galveston was fought in Galveston Bay and on the island on January 1, 1863, during the American Civil War when Confederate forces under Major General John B. Magruder attacked and expelled occupying Union troops from the city, which remained in Confederate hands for the duration of the war.

Juneteenth, which is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, owes its origins to the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation upon the return of Union forces to Galveston in 1865.

In the late 1890s, the Fort Crockett defenses and coastal artillery batteries were constructed in Galveston and along the Bolivar Roads. [3]

[edit] Growth

The Beach Hotel catered to vacationers until a fire in 1898.
The Beach Hotel catered to vacationers until a fire in 1898.
"Old Red", the original UTMB Galveston building.
"Old Red", the original UTMB Galveston building.
A street sign in Galveston's Historical District
A street sign in Galveston's Historical District

At the end of the 19th century, the city of Galveston was a booming metropolis with a population of 37,000 (more than Houston in 1900). Its position on the natural harbor of Galveston Bay along the Gulf of Mexico made it the center of trade in Texas, and one of the largest cotton ports in the nation, in competition with New Orleans. Between 1838 and 1842, 18 newspapers were started to serve the island's rapidly growing population (The Galveston County Daily News is the sole survivor). A causeway linking the island with the mainland was finished in 1860, which paved the way for railroad expansion.

During this era, Galveston was also home to a number of state firsts, including: the first post office (1836), the first naval base (1836), the first Texas chapter of a Masonic order (1840); the first cotton compress (1842), first Roman Catholic Cathedral (St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica) (1847), the first parochial school (Ursuline Academy) (1847), the first insurance company (1854), the first gas lights (1856), first Jewish Reform Congregation (Congregation B'nai Israel) (1868), the first opera house (1870), the first orphanage (1876), the first telephone (1878), the first electric lights (1883), the first medical college (now the University of Texas Medical Branch) (1891), and the first school for nurses (1890).

[edit] Storm of 1900

Main article: Galveston Hurricane of 1900

In 1900, the island was struck by a devastating hurricane, an event that still, even post Hurricane Katrina, holds the record as the United States' deadliest natural disaster.

In the early morning of September 8, high surf despite prevailing winds out of the north heralded the oncoming Storm. By noon low-lying areas near the Gulf and the Bay side of the city were taking on water and the winds increased. Near 4 p.m. a storm surge approximately 15 feet (5 m) high slammed into the coast. According to many personal accounts, the storm subsided before midnight. Wind speeds reached up to 125 mph (an estimate, since the anemometer was blown off the U.S. Weather Bureau building). The city was devastated, and an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 people on the island were killed.

A marker along The Strand indicating a building that survived the 1900 hurricane. Many of the island's most impressive mansions in Galveston's historical East End near downtown survived.
A marker along The Strand indicating a building that survived the 1900 hurricane. Many of the island's most impressive mansions in Galveston's historical East End near downtown survived.

After the storm cleared, the city decided to shore up its defenses against future storms: a permanent concrete seawall was built along a large portion of the beach front (1902-1904) and the entire grade of the city was raised some 17 feet (5 m) behind the wall to a few feet near the Bay (1904-1910). Just after the hurricane, the city originated the City Commission form of city government (which became known as the "Galveston Plan"), although the city has since adopted the Council-Manager form of government.

Despite attempts to draw new investment to the city after the hurricane, Galveston never fully returned to its former importance or prosperity. Development was also hindered by the construction of the Houston Ship Channel, which brought the Port of Houston into direct competition with the natural harbor of Galveston Bay for sea traffic. To further her recovery, and rebuild her population, Galveston actively solicited immigration. Through the efforts of Rabbi Henry Cohen and Congregation B'nai Israel, Galveston became the focus of a 1907 immigration plan called the Galveston Movement that in the following years diverted roughly 10,000 Eastern European Jewish immigrants from the crowded cities of the Northeastern United States.

[edit] Galveston today

Stewart Title building in Downtown Galveston
Stewart Title building in Downtown Galveston

Though the storm stalled economic development and the city of Houston grew into the region's principal metropolis, Galveston has regained some of its former glory. Today it is considered a major tourist destination and remains a port of entry and a destination for cruise ships, and a port of call and repairs for cargo ships. Galveston is currently ranked the number 1 cruise port on the Gulf Coast and number 4 in North America (2007).

Galveston's historic downtown and abundant beaches are major tourist destinations. Houstonians and visitors from around the world purchase beach homes and condominiums and make Galveston their second home.

One Moody Plaza, home to the American National Insurance Company
One Moody Plaza, home to the American National Insurance Company

Other attractions in Galveston include Moody Gardens, the Galveston Railroad Museum, Schlitterbahn, the Strand and the Lone Star Flight Museum. Galveston is also home to several historic ships: the tall ship Elissa (the official Tall Ship of Texas) at the Texas Seaport Museum and USS Cavalla and USS Stewart, both berthed at Seawolf Park on nearby Pelican Island. Galveston is also home to a symphony orchestra and a small ballet company.

The Galveston County Daily News, the city's main newspaper, is the oldest continuously printed newspaper in Texas since 1842. [4]

Galveston has been the home of the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) since 1891. UTMB is a major teaching and indigent-care hospital which now encompasses 84 acres (340,000 m²)., UTMB is the largest employer in Galveston CountyGR6, creating over 15,000 jobs and bringing about $300 million into the local economy. The Shriners Hospital adjacent to UTMB is a 30-bed pediatric burn hospital providing comprehensive acute care and reconstructive and rehabilitative care to children who have been burned. American National Insurance Company, one of the largest life insurance companies in the United States, and Moody National Bank are headquartered in Galveston.

Galveston beach on the Gulf of Mexico
Galveston beach on the Gulf of Mexico
Galveston contains many restored Victorian homes.
Galveston contains many restored Victorian homes.

Galveston's beaches are much cleaner than in the past. With the island's population showing greater concern for their environment, washed-up seaweed is now only moved back from the water's edge to allow the natural buildup and preservation of the beaches. The beaches are now cleaned daily by the Galveston Park Board.

In the 2000s, property values rose after expensive projects were completed [5] and demand for second homes increased. [6] This led some middle class families to move from Galveston to other areas such as League City, Texas City, and La Marque. The city population grew by seven tenths of a percent from 2000 to 2005 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The tax base of the Galveston ISD grew by 13% in 2005 while Galveston ISD lost many district-zoned non-Hurricane Katrina evacuee students.[7]

In 2003 Houston Press reporter Wendy Grossman published an article stating that prostitution in Galveston is frequently occurring in the morning hours before work; previously prostitution occurred around 2 to 4 A. M., after the clubs closed [2].

In 2007 The Associated Press compiled a list of the most vulnerable places to hurricanes in the U.S. and Galveston was one of five areas named. Among the reasons cited were low elevation and the single evacuation route off the island which is blocked by the fourth largest city in the United States, Houston.[8]

[edit] Architecture

Buildings in Galveston notable for their architecture include many in the Historic Strand District, The Hotel Galvez, the Moody Mansion, Ashton Villa, and Bishop's Palace. The restored Grand 1894 Opera House is still in use.

Tallest buildings:

  • Palisade Palms Trade Winds Tower (Under construction)
  • Palisade Palms Beach Club (Under construction)
  • The Emerald Condominiums (Under construction)
  • Ocean Grove Condominiums (Under construction)
  • East Beach Resort & Spa (Under construction)
  1. American National Insurance Company Tower (One Moody Plaza)
  2. San Luis Resort South Tower
  3. San Luis Resort North Tower
  4. The Breakers Condominiums
  5. The Galvestonian Resort and Condos
  6. One Shearn Moody Plaza
  7. US National Bank Building
  8. By The Sea Condominiums
  9. John Sealy Hospital Towers at UTMB
  10. Medical Arts Building (aka Two Moody Plaza)

[edit] The Port of Galveston

The Port of Galveston, also called Galveston Wharves, began as a trading post in 1825. Today, the port has grown to 850 acres (3.4 km²) of port facilities. The port is located on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, on the north side of Galveston Island, with some facilities on Pelican Island. The port has facilities to handle all types of cargo including containers, dry and liquid bulk, breakbulk, RO/RO, refrigerated, and project cargoes. The port of Galveston also serves as a passenger cruise ship terminal for cruise ships operating in the Caribbean.

[edit] Geography and climate

Galveston is located at 29°16′52″N, 94°49′33″W (29.281137, -94.825945)GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 539.6 km² (208.4 mi²). 119.5 km² (46.2 mi²) of it is land and 420.1 km² (162.2 mi²) of it (77.85%) is water.

Record high temperature: 104 °F set on September 5, 2000.

Record low temperature: 8 °F set on February 12, 1899.

Greatest one day rainfall: 13.93 inches set on October 8, 1901.

Monthly Normal and Record High and Low Temperatures
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Rec High °F 78 83 85 92 94 99 101 100 96 94 85 80
Norm High °F 61.9 64.4 70 75.2 81.4 86.6 88.7 89.3 86.5 79.7 71.3 64.3
Norm Low °F 49.7 51.5 58.2 64.7 72.3 77.8 79.8 79.5 75.6 68.4 59.4 51.8
Rec Low °F 11 8 26 38 52 57 66 67 52 39 26 14
Precip (in) 4.08 2.61 2.76 2.56 3.7 4.04 3.45 4.22 5.76 3.49 3.64 3.53
Source: USTravelWeather.com [3]

[edit] Demographics

As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 57,247 people, 23,842 households, and 13,732 families residing in the city. The population density was 478.9/km² (1,240.4/mi²). There were 30,017 housing units at an average density of 251.1/km² (650.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 58.66% White, 25.49% Black or African American, 0.42% Native American, 3.21% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 9.73% from other races, and 2.41% from two or more races. 25.77% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 23,842 households out of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.6% were married couples living together, 16.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.4% were non-families. 35.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.4% under the age of 18, 11.3% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,895, and the median income for a family was $35,049. Males had a median income of $30,150 versus $26,030 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,275. About 17.8% of families and 22.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.1% of those under age 18 and 14.2% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Notable Galvestonians

[edit] Transportation

Island Transit, which also runs the Galveston Island Trolley, operates Galveston Island's public transportation services.

Interstate 45 Starts in Galveston and serves as a main artery to Galveston from mainland Galveston County and Houston. FM 3005 connects Galveston to Brazoria County via the San Luis Pass-Vacek toll bridge. And State Highway 87, via the free Bolivar Ferry, connects the island to the Bolivar Peninsula.

Scholes International Airport at Galveston, a general aviation and military airport, is located in Galveston.

Greyhound Bus Lines serves Galveston Station [4].

[edit] Galveston in pop culture

The Jimmy Buffett song, "Who's the Blonde Stranger?" and Jimmy Webb's "Galveston" (popularised by Glen Campbell) are set in Galveston, as are ZZ Top's "Balinese", and Gene Autry's "Gallivantin' Galveston Gal."

The Galveston shoreline was the filming location for the infamous beach-driving scene between Jack Nicholson and Shirley MacLaine in the 1983 Oscar winning film Terms of Endearment.

[edit] Education

[edit] Colleges and universities

The city is home to three post-secondary institutions: Galveston College (a junior college opened in 1967), Texas A&M University at Galveston, and University of Texas Medical Branch.

[edit] Primary and secondary schools

[edit] Public schools

The city of Galveston is served by Galveston Independent School District.

GISD Elementary Schools

GISD Middle Schools

GISD High School

[edit] State charter schools

State charter schools are state-funded schools not affiliated with the local school district.

[edit] Private schools

Elementary

High School

K through 12th

[edit] Public libraries

The city is served by the Rosenberg Library. [15]

[edit] Postal service

The United States Postal Service operates three post offices in Galveston:

  • Galveston Main Post Office - 601 25th Street, 77550-9998
  • Bob Lyons Post Office Station - 5826 Broadway Street, 77551-9998
  • Medical Branch Unit on the campus of the University of Texas Medical Branch, 77555-9998

In November 2007 a Contract Postal Unit opened inside a local business in Jamaica Beach.[16]

  • West Galveston Contract Unit (77554-9998) - Bob Smith Drive near FM 3005.

[edit] Community information

The Galveston County YMCA is located in Galveston.

[edit] Sister cities

Galveston has five sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International:

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