Olga Samaroff
Historical marker location:Born as Lucy Mary Olga Agnes Hickenlooper to Carlos and Jane (Loening) Hickenlooper in San Antonio, Lucy grew up in a home in the wealthy Silk Stocking District of Galveston. Lucy’s father worked for the Thos. Googan & Bro. Music Company and her mother and grandmother taught piano lessons from the family home. As their star pupil, Lucy began to play public concerts at an early age where prominent musicians recommended European training. Her family continued to live in Galveston until the 1900 storm.
In 1894, Lucy traveled with her grandmother to Paris to continue her study of piano. A year later she won a scholarship to the Conservatoire de Paris, the first American woman to do so. Following her graduation in 1897, Lucy married Russian civil servant Boris Loutzky and moved to St. Petersburg where she devoted her time to general musical study. After three years, Lucy divorced Boris and began to pursue her concert pianist aspirations.
In 1905, to launch her American career, Lucy changed her name to Olga Samaroff, a more European-sounding name, rented her own concert hall and hired a manager. Olga Samaroff was an instant success. She went on to play worldwide, including at Carnegie Hall, the Met, Royal Albert Hall, and in Paris, Rome, Berlin, Vienna and more. Following her concert career, Olga taught at the new Juilliard School of Music, was a commuting faculty member for the Philadelphia Conservatory and published several books on music, including an autobiography. Her legacy is remembered through her music and the Schubert Memorial, a competition for American musicians to perform and compete.
(2016)
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
In 1816, Pirate Jean Lafitte established a short-lived settlement on Galveston Island, which became a haven for smugglers and criminals. However, the pirate era came to an end when the Mexican government took control of Texas and drove out Lafitte and his fellow pirates.
The 19th century saw Galveston County become a major seaport and commercial center. In 1839, the city of Galveston was founded and quickly grew in size and prosperity. The city became an important hub for the Texas cotton industry and played a significant role in the Texas Revolution and the Civil War.
However, Galveston faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including devastating hurricanes. The most notable was the Great Storm of 1900, which remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, claiming thousands of lives and causing extensive damage. Despite the destruction, Galveston rebuilt and implemented engineering projects, including the construction of a seawall, to protect the city from future hurricanes.
Today, Galveston County is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The county has successfully preserved its rich heritage while embracing modern development, making it a unique and diverse place to visit and live.
Galveston County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Galveston County, Texas.
- 1528 - Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca becomes the first known European to set foot on Galveston Island
- 1816 - Pirate Jean Lafitte establishes a base on Galveston Island
- 1825 - Galveston becomes a port of entry for the newly formed Republic of Mexico
- 1836 - Galveston becomes an important port during the Texas Revolution
- 1839 - The City of Galveston is officially incorporated
- 1854 - Galveston becomes the largest city in Texas
- 1900 - Galveston is struck by a devastating hurricane, resulting in over 6,000 deaths
- 1901 - Oil is discovered in nearby Spindletop, leading to a period of economic growth
- 1957 - The world's first offshore drilling rig is built in Galveston
- 2008 - Hurricane Ike causes significant damage to Galveston