The Port of Galveston was established in 1825 by the Mexican government, and remained under Mexican rule until the creation of the Texas Republic in 1836.
In 1836 Michel Menard a native of Canada purchased 4,605 acres parcel of land on the island from the Austin Colony for $50,000 to build a city.
The city was soon a thriving community, and the Strand district was filled with trading businesses, wholesalers, auction houses, banks and steamboat agents.
But disaster arrived when a powerful hurricane wreaked devastation on Galveston on September 8 1900 causing a higher death toll than any other natural catastrophe in the history of America.
To negate the danger of future storms the city built a vast seawall 7 miles long and up to 17 feet high. The level of the entire city was also raised.
Galveston's popularity continued through the 20th century, and today the city is thriving with a mix of commerce and tourism.
The first cruise ship to sail out of the Port of Galveston was Norwegian Cruise Line’s Southward on a summer season of cruises during 1974. The ship moored by very basic facilities at Pier 15 - a far cry from a modern stylish cruise terminal! Galveston port’s first dedicated cruise ship facility, terminal number 1, was not constructed until 1990. The terminal was renovated for Carnival Cruises, who brought their brand to Galveston in 2000. Hot on their heels came Royal Caribbean, who arrived in 2002. As part of the agreement struck between the port and Royal Caribbean, a new terminal, cruise terminal 2 was constructed from the hulk of a warehouse. Today cruise terminal 1 is still used by companies in the Carnival group, Carnival Cruises and Princess. And cruise terminal 2 is used by companies under the Royal Caribbean umbrella, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.
For a calendar of cruises, see cruises from Galveston.
Stewart Beach
OK, the Gulf beaches are perhaps not as beautiful as those further south in the Caribbean, but Stewart Beach offers an attractive destination on a hot day. The beach shelves slowly into the sea, so on a calm day the water is ideal for kids to splash around in. And it's only about a mile from the cruise terminals.
Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum
Want to know about the ins and outs of the oil rigs which dot the Gulf of Mexico? How about an educative trip to the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum which is actually housed in an old rig which worked for over 20 years in the Gulf. Check out the interactive displays explaining and detailing geological surveying, drilling, oil production and oil transport. The Museum is adjacent to the cruise port.
Bishop's Palace
To visit a slice of Galveston's proud history, how about a trip to Bishop's Palace. The house was designed in the late 19th century by Nicholas Clayton, Galveston’s premier Victorian-era architect. The house presents a grand frontage with stone built walls, stone gables, iron balconies, handmade brick red tiles and sculptured fascias. The Bishop’s Palace is located on Broadway Avenue on the southern side of the East End, one of Galveston’s historic districts.
Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens is a jewel in Galveston's crown, high on the list of tourist attractions. It has three major buildings, the Aquarium Pyramid, the Rainforest Pyramid and the Discovery Pyramid. The Aquarium Pyramid, the largest of the pyramids, contains many species of creatures from across the globe. The Rainforest Pyramid is alive with tropical mammals birds, butterflies, reptiles and plants. The Discovery Pyramid focuses on science-oriented displays. Moody Gardens is located by Galveston’s Scholes airport, about 6 miles south west of the cruise port.
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