In the 1930's Congress deemed that Galveston should become
a port of entry and made provision for the erection of Custom Houses, some
of these original buildings can still be seen today and the Galveston Historical
Foundation help to keep it open to the public as a museum. Galveston was
incorporated as the city of Galveston in 1839 however people have lived
on Galveston Island for hundreds of years. The Galveston economy was growing
quickly until it was hit by a hurricane in 1900. Galveston lost 6000 residents
and much of Galveston was destroyed by the huge storm and tide. Almost one
third of Galveston was wrecked by this tragic event. Following this hurricane
the people of Galveston constructed a defensive sea wall to protect the
city. Galveston is home to a number of higher education establishments.
University Of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston College and Texas A&M
University at Galveston. Today access to Galveston is achieved by a cause
way joining the mainland to Galveston Island.
