Historical Marker

Carmelo "Charles" Bertolino

Historical marker location:
Galveston, Texas
( 10th Street (Bertolino's View) and Seawall Blvd., Galveston)
Marker installed: 1994
Marker size: 27" x 42"

(September 4, 1887 - March 8, 1960) Born in Galveston in 1887, Carmelo Bertolino was the son of Salvatore Bertolino (d. 1891) and Rosalia Trapani Bertolino (d. 1942), who immigrated to Texas from Palermo, Italy in the early 1880s. Salvatore Bertolino drowned in Galveston Bay when Carmelo was three years old.

Carmelo married Mabel Cousins (1894-1937) in 1911 and became the head of a large family. He worked as a fisherman and as a baker at Graugnard's Bakery. He was an athletic man who swam in the Gulf every day until he was past 70 years of age. A volunteer lifesaver, he is credited with saving more than 500 people from drowning during his lifetime. The tragedy of that type of death had touched his own family; in addition to his father, he lost a brother and a son to accidental drownings in Galveston waters.

Carmelo Bertolino was in Italy during the disastrous 1900 storm, but during the 1915 hurricane he was able to save many lives. His heroic efforts later were noted in official citations from the Texas Legislature and President Franklin D. Roosevelt. A monument in his honor was erected shortly after his death, and the Galveston City Council named 10th Street at its intersection with the seawall "Bertolino's View."

Sesquicentennial of Texas Statehood 1845-1995

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.

Italian immigrants immigration water topics
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Texas random facts
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.

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