Gozaic of the Week: Galveston Island, Texas

Some call it “Little Ellis Island,” while others have dubbed it “The Wall Street of the Southwest.” Either way, they’re referring to Galveston Island, Texas, former stomping ground of the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte. The city holds as much draw for history buffs as it does beach lovers—for those who are both, even better.

History
Texas owes many of its notable firsts to Galveston Island: the first post office, grocery store, hospital, opera house, telephone and electric lights, to name a few. The region has been occupied since the early 1500s, originally serving as a home to the Akokisa Indians. The city of Galveston was incorporated in 1839 and started with an area of seven square miles. Galveston’s harbor soon became an active and prosperous port, with shops from around the world docking to import goods. Wholesalers dominated the area known as the Strand. But the city’s fortune turned for the worse in 1900, when a powerful storm struck Galveston Island, killing 6,000. It didn’t take long for Galveston to recover, though. From the 1920s through the 40s, beauty pageants, night clubs, and entertainment attracted stars and tourists alike. Today visitors can learn about the city’s fascinating past while appreciating its present-day amenities.

What to See
Galveston Island is replete with ornate Victorian-style 19th and 20th century buildings. Four historic districts-- Strand Mechanic National Historic Landmark District, East End Historic District, Silk Stocking District and Central Business District—are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and 1,500 buildings within the city are also on the register. Should your feet start aching after a long stroll through the heart of historic Galveston, you’re in luck. A soft, sandy beach is just footsteps away.

What to Do
Pining for a glimpse of some truly grand architecture? Your first stop should be the Bishop’s Palace, known for its colored stone, intricately carved ornaments, stained-glass windows and bronze dragons. The Moody Mansion Museum and the Grand 1894 Opera House are two of the city’s other historical and architectural gems. A visit to the Texas Seaport Museum gets you up-close to the Elissa, an 1877 “tall ship” and National Historic Landmark. The Historic Downtown Strand District contains enough iron balconies and whimsically painted signs to feast your eyes on while you’re browsing through the array of art and antique galleries. The more than 100 restaurants in Galveston Island have a flair for international fare, and you can’t go wrong finishing off your meal with a slice of the famous pecan pie or some tres leches.

Have you visited Galveston Island, Texas? Write a review or share your photos on Gozaic.

Gozaic (go-ZAY-ik). Noun. 1) The name of a website, Gozaic.com. 2) The fusion of “go,” for travel and the mosaic of heritage and culture. 3) The mosaic of images to illustrate the dimensions of a featured heritage or cultural destination.