PastPort to History
Themes: Immigration, Industry, Military
Trade. Migration. Conflict. Connection. For over two centuries, Galveston’s port has served as an entry point, a launching pad, and a lifeline. This journey traces the rise of a Gulf Coast powerhouse that helped shape Texas, the nation, and the world.
Step 1: Explore the Journey
View the full list of featured locations. Each one shares a chapter in Galveston’s legacy of freedom and resilience.
Step 2: Visit the Sites
Make your way to each stop. You can visit them all in a day or spread them out over time. Choose the path that works for you.
Step 3: Snap a Photo and Tag Us
Take a photo at each site and tag us when you post to social media. Your photos help keep the story going.
Step 4: Get a Prize
Once you’ve completed the journey and shared your photos, you’ll receive a digital badge or stop by the Galveston Island Visitor Information Center for a prize.
The San Luis Resort (WWII Bunker)
Beneath the resort lies a WWII coastal defense bunker. It reflects Galveston’s critical role in protecting the Gulf during wartime.
Galveston Naval Museum at Seawolf Park
Tour historic naval vessels, including a WWII submarine and destroyer escort. These ships tell stories of bravery, loss, and life under pressure.
Galveston Railroad Museum
See how rail and sea worked together to fuel Galveston’s rise. The museum highlights the city’s place in national commerce through rail history and restored locomotives.
Ship to Shore Exhibit
Walk through the immigrant experience that brought thousands to Galveston. This interactive space reveals personal stories, hardships, and hopes tied to the port’s early days.
1877 Tall Ship ELISSA
Board a fully restored 19th-century sailing vessel still docked in its original port. ELISSA offers a rare, hands-on look at life on the sea and maritime trade.
Port Cruise Terminals
The modern port welcomes millions today, but its roots run deep. Discover how Galveston became one of the busiest immigration ports in the U.S., second only to Ellis Island.
Jean Laffite Marker
Explore the legend of Jean Laffite, a privateer whose brief presence on the island shaped its earliest reputation as a port of opportunity—and conflict.
Old U.S. Custom House
Here, federal agents regulated commerce, collected tariffs, and controlled access to a growing nation. The building stands as a symbol of Galveston's strategic role.
Hendley Building
This Civil War-era structure once served as a hub for international commerce. Its walls hold stories of trade, blockade-running, and business on the edge of conflict.
