PastPort to History
Themes: Resilience, Engineering, Community
125 years ago, the 1900 Storm devastated Galveston Island and claimed thousands of lives. In the wake of tragedy, Galvestonians launched one of the largest civic engineering efforts in American history. This journey takes you to the places where the storm’s impact is still felt. And where the courage to rebuild left a lasting mark.
🏛️ = Free
🏛️🏛️ = Under $20
🏛️🏛️🏛️ = $20+
Step 1: Pick Your Stops
Browse the locations. Each one shares a piece of Galveston Island’s story.
Step 2: Explore the Island
Visit your favorites. Go all in one day or spread them out.
Step 3: Snap + Tag
Take photos at two stops. For a bonus, post on social media and tag @galvestonisland.
Step 4: Claim Your Prize
Show your photos at the Visitor Center to pick up your prize.
Location: 6829-6921 FM-3005
Cost: 🏛️; Parking along the Seawall will have a cost
Theme: Loss & Courage
Why It Matters: This marker recalls the nuns and children who perished when the orphanage was destroyed. Their story is among the storm’s most poignant.
What You’ll See: State historical marker and interpretive signage.
Getting There: Easily reached by car; street parking nearby.
Take It In: Imagine the bravery of the Sisters of Charity, holding the children together until the end.
Photo Tip: Frame the marker with the Gulf horizon, a reminder of the sea’s beauty and danger.
Nearby: McNeals Tavern and Eatery, Kites Unlimited, Primetime Entertainment
Location: Along the Galveston Seawall near 47th Street
Cost: 🏛️; Parking along the Seawall will have a cost
Theme: Resilience, Engineering, Remembrance
Why It Matters: This small area tells the story of Galveston’s greatest tragedy and its boldest response.
What You’ll See:
Getting There: Located along Seawall Boulevard near 47th Street. Accessible by car, bike, or foot with paid parking nearby. Beach access points are across the street.
Take It In: Stand with the Gulf in front of you and the Seawall at your back. Picture the island before these defenses existed, when the water you see could easily reach the heart of the city.
Photo Tip: Capture the memorial with the Gulf behind it, or frame the bronze figures against the sky for a striking silhouette.
Nearby: Salsa's Mexican & Seafood Restaurant, Kritikos Grill, Battery Hoskins WWII-Era Casemated Bunker at Fort Crockett
Location: Two adjacent historical markers along the Galveston Seawall near Pleasure Pier
Cost: 🏛️; Parking along the Seawall will have a cost
Theme: Resilience, Engineering
Why It Matters: After the 1900 Storm, Galveston launched one of the most ambitious engineering projects in U.S. history. In addition to building the Seawall to block storm surge, the city raised the elevation of entire neighborhoods, lifting homes, streets, and utilities in order to protect the island from future disasters.
What You’ll See: Two Texas Historical Commission markers. One details the design and construction of the Seawall. The other describes the massive grade-raising project that followed. Together, they paint a picture of ingenuity and determination in the face of tragedy.
Getting There: Located along the Seawall near Pleasure Pier, these markers are accessible by car, bike, or on foot. Paid parking and beach access points are nearby.
Take It In: Stand between the markers and the Gulf, and imagine the city as it was, devastated yet determined to rebuild stronger. The seawall behind you and the raised land beneath you are the physical proof of that vision.
Photo Tip: Frame both markers in a single shot with the Seawall stretching into the distance, or capture the marker with the Gulf waves as a backdrop.
Nearby: Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, Murdochs souvenirs, Mario's Seawall Italian & Pizzeria
Location: 1315 21St
Cost: 🏛️🏛️
Theme: Recovery & Care
Why It Matters: Sits inside the beautifully restored Galveston Orphans Home, a building that sheltered children left without families after the 1900 Storm. You’ll find The Great Storm film, the moving Emotional Trinity painting, and rare artifacts that give faces and voices to the tragedy’s youngest victims.
What You’ll See: Exhibits of Texas history, stunning grounds, and the restored orphanage building.
Getting There: On-site parking; accessible entrance available.
Take It In: Reflect on the resilience of children and the communities that took them in.
Photo Tip: Capture the ornate architecture framed by palm trees.
Nearby: J Bangle's Silk Stocking Galleries, Galveston Bagel Company, Macies - Smashburgers & Fries, Bambu Mexican Grill
Location: 2310 Sealy St
Cost: 🏛️
Theme: Memory & Documentation
Why It Matters: Texas’s oldest public library houses rare photographs, survivor accounts, and a short film on the storm.
What You’ll See: Archival displays, historic architecture, and the Texas History Center.
Getting There: On-site parking; accessible entrance available.
Take It In: Listen to survivor voices. Consider how stories keep history alive for future generations.
Photo Tip: Photograph the grand façade with its historic columns.
Nearby: The Studio Experience Art Gallery, The Milk Bar, Lolo Kai, Star Drug Store, Old Moon Deli and Pies
Location: 2328 Broadway
Cost: 🏛️🏛️🏛️
Theme: Innovation & Adaptation
Why It Matters: The fence’s buried base shows how Galveston raised its grade to protect against flooding.
What You’ll See: Historic ironwork partially below ground level. In the courtyard, see The Legislator statue. In the street, the
Getting There: Downtown location; street parking nearby.
Take It In: Imagine lifting an entire city, buildings, streets, and all, on jacks.
Photo Tip: Angle your shot to show how the fence sits below today’s ground level.
Nearby: Rosenberg Library, Sugar & Rye, Maceo Spice and Import Company, Texas Tail Distillery
Location: 2618 Broadway Avenue J
Cost: 🏛️🏛️🏛️
Theme: Resilience & Renewal
Why It Matters: Moody Mansion offers a vivid slice of life at the turn of the 20th century, when Galveston was a bustling port city. Guests explore 20 rooms that capture the home life of a real and powerful Texas family, complete with the furnishings, stories, and personalities that shaped their world.
What You’ll See: Period rooms, original furnishings, and storm-era stories.
Getting There: On-site parking; guided tours available.
Take It In: Picture the mansion standing strong amid a city in ruins.
Photo Tip: Capture the mansion’s tower against the sky.
Nearby: Children's Museum, Vida Agave, Dolphin World
Location: 1402 Broadway St
Cost: 🏛️🏛️
Theme: Strength & Design
Why It Matters: This stone fortress-like home came through the storm virtually untouched.
What You’ll See: Intricate woodwork, stained glass, and stories of endurance.
Getting There: On-site and street parking available.
Take It In: Consider how architecture can be both beautiful and functional.
Photo Tip: Shoot the façade from across Broadway for the full view.
Nearby: Sacred Heart, US Customs House, Historic Downtown, The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe, Trattoria La Vigna
Location: 722 21st
Cost: 🏛️
Theme: Preservation & Legacy
Why It Matters: Home to the only known coroner’s inquest book from 1900 and personal items recovered after the storm.
What You’ll See: Artifact displays, storm exhibit, and local history collections.
Getting There: Located in the courthouse; street or garage parking nearby.
Take It In: Pay attention to the everyday items. They are poignant reminders that history is lived through ordinary lives.
Photo Tip: Close-up shots of handwritten records can be striking for social media.
Nearby: The Social Tap, The Grand 1894 Opera House, Shopping on Postoffice
Take one of our other journeys to discover more about the history of Galveston Island.
