Galveston

Texas State is worth visiting and have you heard about Galveston which is one of its city and an island? The population estimate of the city according to 2005 U.S. Census was more than 57,000. Galveston is connected by Galveston Causeway which links the area to the main area on the north end of the city, while a toll bridge lies on the western end of the island. A ferry boat service at the east end also makes the city worthwhile to visit. The city is a seat of Galveston County being the second largest city in population. A serious calamity struck the city in 1900 in the shape of a hurricane and the scale of disaster that it caused is rated to date as the most deadly. A 16 km long, 17 feet high seawall safeguards the city from disasters like floods and hurricane from happening.

The clan of the Karankawa and Akokisa tribes basically inhabited Galveston using the name "Auia" for the isle. A Spanish explorer Jos? de Evia named the island G?lvez-town or G?lveztown in honor of the Count of G?lvez. It was the pirates who first settled here from Europe making the island their base to support Mexico's fight against Spain. Later on, it was converted into a pirate kingdom. The pirates roamed the city till in 1892 they were given ultimatum by the United States Navy to vacate the area. Eventually, the looters left the place and there are speculations that the land still contains their treasure.

A custom house was established here in 1825 while the Congress of Mexico formally set up the Port of Galveston in 1830. The same port served as the major port for the Texas forces during the Texas revolution. The city also became the capital of the Republic of Texas later on when its government was relocated there. Galveston Bay has been the scene of the Battle of Galveston during the American Civil War when the Confederate forces clashed with Union Troops from the city. After 1860, many first things in the state were initiated here like first naval base, first post office, first cotton compress, the first opera house, the first telephone etc.

The city holds prime significance in being a tourist destination contributing close to five and a half million dollars boost to local economy in 2007 in the tourism sector. Thirty percent of the work force comprises those from the tourism industry. Some of the spots here are the Galveston Schlitterbahn water park, the Lone Star Flight Museum apart from many historical mansions and museums. An array of historic buildings known as The Strand also beautifies the town, not to forget an extended beach front. Galveston Symphony Orchestra pulls the crowd with its band of amateur and professional musicians founded in 1979. Then Galveston Ballet is a company which presents shows in springs as well as fall. The chosen venue is Grand 1894 Opera House which is a refurbished historic Romanesque Revival style Opera House operates as a non-profit performing arts theater.

Also worth mentioning for the Architectural assets of Galveston is The Bishop's Palace on Broadway. It has been rated as being in the top 100 significant buildings in the United States. The building is also included in the listing of top 100 structures that are of Victorian heritage in USA. Then you have The Galvez Hotel that opened in 1911. The building was named after the Count of Galvez. A building that is attributed to Greek style of heritage is The Michel B. Menard House. So much to see and enjoy in this city, so grab Galveston Tickets before you get any second thoughts!