Point Bolivar Lighthouse
TX 87, Port Bolivar, TXThe Point Bolivar Lighthouse is significant because it is one of the few nineteenth-century lighthouses remaining on the Texas Gulf Coast. The structure, a brick tower covered with cast iron plates, represents an unusual type of construction. The 1872 Point Bolivar Lighthouse was first lighted on November 19, 1873, and operated until it was discontinued on May 29, 1933. The light shined every night during its 60 years of service except for two, during the 1915 hurricane when a storm destroyed the oil house.
During the devastating Galveston Hurricane of 1900, the Point Bolivar Lighthouse withstood the savage winds and safely harbored about 125 refugees. Few other structures survived the 1900 onslaught.
In 1915, when winds reached an estimated 125 miles per hour and the lighthouse top swayed 12 inches from side to side, fifty people took refuge in the structure for two nights, sitting in pairs on alternating steps of the iron stairway. The tower vibrated so that the lens would not rotate, but the keeper turned it by hand until the oil supply washed away. In the midst of the storm, the sea forced open the lighthouse door, filling the base of the tower with approximately four feet of water. The crashing of waves against the structure added to the alarm of the refugees. The Point Bolivar Lighthouse continued to operate until 1933 when it was abandoned. The Federal government later sold the structure and surrounding property to a private individual.
Local significance of the structure:
During the devastating Galveston Hurricane of 1900, the Point Bolivar Lighthouse withstood the savage winds and safely harbored about 125 refugees. Few other structures survived the 1900 onslaught.
In 1915, when winds reached an estimated 125 miles per hour and the lighthouse top swayed 12 inches from side to side, fifty people took refuge in the structure for two nights, sitting in pairs on alternating steps of the iron stairway. The tower vibrated so that the lens would not rotate, but the keeper turned it by hand until the oil supply washed away. In the midst of the storm, the sea forced open the lighthouse door, filling the base of the tower with approximately four feet of water. The crashing of waves against the structure added to the alarm of the refugees. The Point Bolivar Lighthouse continued to operate until 1933 when it was abandoned. The Federal government later sold the structure and surrounding property to a private individual.
Industry; Art; Transportation; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
About Galveston County
Galveston County Timeline
Galveston County, located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes for thousands of years before European explorers arrived in the 16th century. Spanish explorers were among the first to visit the region, followed by French and English explorers in the 17th and 18th centuries.
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.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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