Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 14th Street and Broadway in Galveston's East End Historic District, is a masterpiece of resilience and architectural brilliance. Designed in 1904 with Gothic, Moorish, and Byzantine influences, it replaced the original 1892 structure lost to the 1900 Storm. Beyond its striking beauty, Sacred Heart stands as a testament to the faith and determination of its congregation, serving as a cornerstone of Galveston’s spiritual and social history.

Galveston Unscripted

What is Galveston Unscripted?

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In this episode of the Galveston Street Names series, we dive into the history behind Galveston’s east end north-to-south streets. From St. Mary’s Boulevard to Rosenberg Avenue, each street reveals stories of Galveston’s early settlers, influential families, and historic landmarks. Join us as we explore how these street names preserve the legacy of the people and institutions that shaped the island’s history.

Galveston Unscripted

What is Galveston Unscripted?

Follow Galveston Unscripted on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! More history content on Visit Galveston!

The Galveston Plan, developed in 1901 after the devastating 1900 hurricane, was a revolutionary form of city government that created a commission system where elected leaders each oversaw specific areas of municipal responsibility. This streamlined, efficient model, designed to quickly rebuild and protect Galveston, proved so effective that it spread to hundreds of cities nationwide, becoming known as the “Galveston Plan.” While few cities still use the pure commission form today, the Galveston Plan left a lasting legacy in city governance, inspiring reforms that still shape modern municipal management across the United States.

Galveston Unscripted

What is Galveston Unscripted?

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Galveston's sister city, Stavanger, Norway, shares a rich maritime history and economic ties, particularly in the oil industry, reflecting their coastal locations along the North Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Established as a sister city in 1988, both cities have engaged in cultural, educational, and business exchanges, highlighting their connections through immigration and trade. With Stavanger's historic roots dating back to 1125 and Galveston's foundation in 1839, their partnership celebrates a shared heritage and mutual appreciation for their coastal lifestyles.

Galveston Unscripted

What is Galveston Unscripted?

Follow Galveston Unscripted on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! More history content on Visit Galveston!

In this episode of the Street Names Series, we explore the origin of Galveston's alphabetical half streets and their unique history. As the city expanded, large outlots were divided into smaller lots, requiring new streets, which led to the creation of half streets like Avenue N ½. We also cover the renaming of several streets to honor prominent figures like Fox Winnie, George Ball, and John Sealy.

Galveston Unscripted

What is Galveston Unscripted?

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The Galveston Causeway, connecting the island to the mainland, has evolved significantly since its first railroad bridge in 1860. The current vehicle causeway, built between 2003 and 2008, stands beside a historic 1912 causeway still in use for rail traffic. The 1912 causeway was a major milestone for Galveston, facilitating both rail and automobile travel, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Galveston Unscripted

What is Galveston Unscripted?

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Our journey starts in downtown Galveston, where the city’s alphabetical street names tell a tale of growth and adaptation over time. The island’s potential as a major port influenced its design and it's prosperity kept promise assisted in converting the street names.

Galveston Unscripted

What is Galveston Unscripted?

Follow Galveston Unscripted on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! More history content on Visit Galveston!

Crassostrea virginica, in Galveston Bay. These oysters have been integral to the ecosystem and local economies for centuries, even playing a surprising role in building the Houston Astrodome. We look into the challenges faced due to overfishing and environmental pressures, and the promising solutions being implemented today.

Galveston Unscripted

What is Galveston Unscripted?

Follow Galveston Unscripted on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! More history content on Visit Galveston!