The Port of Galveston

The Port of Galveston seen from the Pelican Island Causeway

Founded in 1825 by the Republic of Mexico, the Port of Galveston was the first deepwater port in Texas and was the backbone of the Republic of Texas and later the State of Texas.  The Port of Galveston was instrumental in  helping to turn Texas into the Commerce Capitol it is today.  The Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900, which claimed 6,000-8,000 lives, destroyed the Port and allowed Houston to create their own port by dredging a ship channel that runs 50 miles inland.  Galveston rebuilt their Port but it never fully recovered from the blow it received from the storm.  It has long since been surpassed in size and importance by the Port of Houston.  What was for over a century the mightiest port in Texas, has in recent years seen a steady decline in business.  Today the port concentrates on niche cargo (grain cargo, cruise ships, and container cargo) for the bulk of its business.  Galveston's economy is no longer ruled by port commerce, however recently cruise lines have shown interest in taking advantage of its prime location to the sea.  In June 1999, Carnival Cruise Lines announced that, starting in 2000, they would base a ship out of Galveston for weekly cruises .  Today, Galveston's economy is diverse and includes industries such as medical, banking, insurance, and tourism in addition to port commerce.  The Port of Galveston is one of the largest publicly owned ports in the United States.