1. Galveston Destroyed

2. Background Galveston was the place to be in Texas
It was positioned on a natural harbor
Had a population of 37,000
It was the main port and center of trade in Texas
Comparable to New Orleans and New York City
It was Texas’ biggest city
Pearl of Texas

3. Complacency A sense of complacency developed with all the success
Galveston is built on a low flat-island along the coast (Barrier Island)
Had weathered storms in the past and rebuilt itself
A few residents of the city (Before the Hurricane) proposed building a city wall
Concerns not taken serious by people running the city or by other citizens
Sand dunes that helped protect the city were cut down to make room for more development in the area
This all but invited disaster

4. The Great Storm
On September 4, U.S. Weather Bureau began receiving warning of a “Tropical Storm” moving over Cuba
It was thought storm would curve northward and miss Galveston
Terms like “Tornadoes” and “Hurricanes” were discouraged from so as to not panic residents
Few residents took the warnings seriously

5. Hurricane Hits Category 4 Hurricane slams into Galveston
It had an estimated wind force of 145mph
Between 6,000 – 12,000 people died
Entire City leveled and destroyed
It was the deadliest hurricane in U.S. History
The second costliest (money) storm in U.S. History (Behind Katrina)

6. The Lasting Results of The Galveston Hurricane

7. Political Effects of The Hurricane
Galveston adapts a new form of municipal government

8. Economic Effects of the Hurricane
Rebuilding was long and expensive
Loss of Industries to Houston and other cities

9. Social Effects of Hurricane
Loss of population
Burial of thousands of citizens

10. Geographical Effect of Hurricane
Increase of city elevation
Seawall built