Reedy Chapel-AME Church
a.k.a. Reedy Chapel
2013 Broadway, Galveston, TXThe property on which the building stands was purchased in 1848 by four white trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church-South, for the use of slaves. It was originally used as an open meeting area. Before Emancipation a small structure was built, and white members of the Methodist Church held services there for the blacks. A permanent structure was erected in 1863.
In the turmoil following the Civil War, the Methodist Episcopal Church-North filed suit against the Methodist Episcopal Church-South in an attempt to gain possession of the former slave churches. The courts ruled in favor of the Southern sector, and the property was given to the ex-slaves to establish their own church. the church and property were deeded to the newly formed African Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1867 the chapel obtained its first pastor, a missionary from Philadelphia named Houston Reedy. It was subsequently named in his honor.
The chapel was destroyed by fire in 1885; in 1886 the present building was erected. Although hurricanes and severe weather have caused damage to the building, it has been kept in good repair, and still serves the community.
Local significance of the building:
In the turmoil following the Civil War, the Methodist Episcopal Church-North filed suit against the Methodist Episcopal Church-South in an attempt to gain possession of the former slave churches. The courts ruled in favor of the Southern sector, and the property was given to the ex-slaves to establish their own church. the church and property were deeded to the newly formed African Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1867 the chapel obtained its first pastor, a missionary from Philadelphia named Houston Reedy. It was subsequently named in his honor.
The chapel was destroyed by fire in 1885; in 1886 the present building was erected. Although hurricanes and severe weather have caused damage to the building, it has been kept in good repair, and still serves the community.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
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.
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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 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