Galveston County, Reconstruction to 1900

The revival of economic, political, social and religious institutions in Galveston County following the Civil War was more rapid than anywhere in the South. Galveston emerged as the largest city in Texas and with its natural seaport, became the focal point for sea and railroad transportation. The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad was established. Wholesale grocery firms were established and cotton compressing firms were founded. The first electric lights used in Texas burned in Galveston and the first telephone in the state was installed. The city also became known for its beaches, fishing, palatial homes, flowers, palms, resorts and public schools. The greatest single development of the port occurred in the 1870s when the outer channel was dredged to a depth of 32 feet, sufficient to accommodate all ocean-going vessels. On the mainland, Shoal Point succeeded the Austinia settlement and became a permanent colony in 1894 when a group of land developers named it Texas City. During this period, Galveston was hit by three catastrophes -- a yellow fever epidemic, a fire in 1885 and the 1900 storm. Some 6,000 lives were lost in the hurricane. The citizens were determined to rebuild the city and a seawall was constructed by Galveston County, followed by an enormous city grade-raising project. The first city commission form of government was founded and was later adopted by municipalities throughout the United States.

Galveston County, Reconstruction to 1900 is a historical marker in Galveston, Galveston County, dedicated in 1967. It is one of 281 historical markers documented in Galveston County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 352 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.3031, -94.7897 near Galveston. The nearest cataloged historic site is Galveston County, 1901 - 1965 (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Norris Wright Cuney, Galveston County, Texas Revolution and Civil War, and Galveston County Communities.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5167007464. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.