1. Disaster Strikes Galveston
The Modern Era Begins
Disaster Strikes Galveston

2. August 2005: Hurricane Katrina

5. Superdome: New Orleans

6. Biloxi, Mississippi

7. Galveston circa 1900 Most modern city in Texas at the time
Had first electric lights and telephones in state
Opera house that hosted world-class performers

8. Copy and paste the address in an internet browser, then watch video.
Galveston Hurricane 1900

9. September 8, 1900 Galveston struck by hurricane of unbelievable force
High cresting tidal waves completely covered the island
Approx. 6,000 people killed

10. Aftermath
The storm, with 120 mph winds, battered the city for 12 hours
Afterward, thousands were left homeless and the city lay in ruins
Those who were left were forced to clean up and rebuild

11. Aftermath

12. Memorial: built to honor those lost in the hurricane

13. Physical Effects of the storm
Galvestonians realized the need for protection against future storms
The beach along the island was dredged, raising the island by 13 feet
A giant sea wall is constructed to protect against high tidal crests (or waves)

14. Political Effects
Prior to 1900, Galveston (and many other cities) used a Mayor and City Council form of city government
In rebuilding efforts, too much for the current government to handle
Galvestonians replace this outdated system with a Commission form of government

15. Political continued… This Commission was comprised of 5 members
Each was in charge of one department such as police, fire, or water services
So effective it became model for other cities
Houston, Denison, El Paso, and Dallas
By cities nationally used the system

16. Economic Effects
Galveston had been a primary coastal port and hub to this point
The storm crippled the city economically
As a result, much of Galveston’s industries moved to Houston
As a result, Houston boomed and grew as a city

17. What 2 inventions did Galveston have before most others in Texas?
Were you paying attention?? -Write answers in complete sentences on your bell ringer sheet
What 2 inventions did Galveston have before most others in Texas?

18. What did Galvestonians build to protect themselves against future storms?

19. What form of city government resulted from the hurricane to manage clean up and get the city up and running again?

20. What city became a thriving economic center as a result of Galveston’s destruction?