PastPort to History
Themes: Resilience, Engineering, Community
The 1900 Storm devastated Galveston and claimed thousands of lives. It also sparked one of the largest civic engineering efforts in American history. This journey follows the storm’s impact and the spirit of those who rebuilt.
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 at @GalvestonIsland 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.
St. Mary’s Orphanage Marker
A tragic chapter in the storm’s story. This marker honors the children and nuns who lost their lives when the orphanage was destroyed.
The Seawall & Great Storm Memorial
Stretching over 10 miles, the seawall is Galveston’s defense against the Gulf. The memorial honors those who were lost and the community that endured.
Rosenberg Library (Exhibit & Film)
A compelling collection of survivor accounts, rare photographs, and a short film bring the storm’s reality into sharp focus.
Galveston County Museum (Storm Exhibit)
Explore the long-term effects of the disaster through historical records and personal stories preserved here.
Bryan Museum (Orphans Home Film)
Watch a deeply human story of loss and recovery through the eyes of children displaced by the storm.
Survivor Plaque Homes
Scattered around the island, these homes survived the storm. Their plaques offer quiet, powerful reminders of resilience.
Ashton Villa Fence (Grade Raising)
This iron fence shows the impact of Galveston’s grade-raising project. Much of its original height now buried beneath elevated ground.
Historic Cemeteries & Mausoleums
Explore resting places that reflect Galveston’s early population and those lost in the storm. History is written in stone across these sacred spaces.
Moody Mansion
Once a family home, now a museum, this structure endured the storm and reflects both the trauma and the hope of the era that followed.
Bishop’s Palace
Withstood the storm nearly untouched. Its solid stone walls and ornate design stand as a testament to architecture built to last.
