Galveston

Galveston sits on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico and serves as the county seat for Galveston County in Texas. The city spreads across Galveston Island and Pelican Island, surrounded by gulf waters, while the downtown area holds buildings from the 19th century alongside shops and restaurants.

The settlement began in 1785 and grew into a major port for cotton exports during the 19th century. Operations at the harbor started in 1825 and shaped regional trade for decades until Houston emerged as the dominant commercial center.

The city celebrates Juneteenth each year with public events marking the moment when news of emancipation reached enslaved people in 1865. Visitors can join guided walks through Ashton Villa and nearby neighborhoods where this history unfolded, connecting past and present.

The port now welcomes cruise ships with routes to the Caribbean and offers departures throughout the year. Visitors find parking near the harbor area and can walk through much of the downtown, as most points of interest lie within short distances of each other.

After the destructive hurricane of 1900, engineers lifted the entire city several feet higher to prevent future flooding. The protective wall built afterward runs along the coastline and has become a popular place for walks with views of the gulf.

Location: Galveston County

Inception: 1785

Elevation above the sea: 2 m

Website: https://galvestontx.gov

GPS coordinates: 29.30139,-94.79778

Latest update: December 3, 2025 08:37