Galveston Office of the National Weather Service
First weather service office in Texas, and one of first in the United States; established April 19, 1871, slightly over a year after Congress passed an act in Feb. 1870 creating the Public Weather Service of the United States under the Army Signal Corps.
For a century the Galveston service has issued Gulf storm forecasts. It correctly posted warnings prior to Texas' greatest natural disaster -- the 1900 hurricane that left more than 6,000 dead -- but had its own office demolished (although records were saved). Its men shared the common sorrows of the city in losses of family members and property.
In Sept. 1961 the first live and direct televised picture of a hurricane -- the famous and devastating Carla -- was broadcast from the Galveston station. This set a pattern for other radar-equipped coastal weather stations throughout the United States.
Galveston is the only weather station directly on the Gulf Coast west of Florida. Although many meteorological stations have moved with the coming of the aviation age, this oldest Texas station has compiled charts for 100 years within a 5-block area.
Incise on base: Galveston County Historical Survey Committee
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.
Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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