14901 FM 3005
Galveston TX 77554
409/737-1222
History: Galveston Island
State Park, in Galveston County, is in the City of Galveston on the west end of
Galveston Island. It is a 2,013.1-acre site that was acquired in 1969 from
private owners under the State Parks Bond Program and was opened in 1975.
Galveston Island is believed to be approximately 5000 years old and has had
an interesting history during the past 500 years. It is generally believed
Cabeza de Vaca and his crew were shipwrecked here in 1520 and eventually made
their way from the island to colonies in Mexico. The LaFitte brothers, fleeing
the prosecution of pirates in the United States, established a government here
in 1817, with visions of creating a "Manhattan on the Gulf." Commerce did thrive
here, but major storms in 1867, 1871, 1875, and 1886 greatly slowed progress.
The great storm of 1900 devastated the island, killing 5000 to 10,000 people,
and prompted the construction of the seawall which protects the northern half of
the island.
Dunes Renewal Project: September 10, 1998, Tropical Storm Frances destroyed
the sand dunes at Galveston Island State Park. The dunes serve as the only
protection that the park has for its facilities. A project was implemented to
rebuild the dunes through the use of Christmas trees.
Activities: The park offers
camping, birdwatching, nature study, hiking, mountain bike riding, fishing, and
unsupervised beach swimming. For summer play schedules for the Mary Moody
Northern Amphitheater, please call 409/737-1744. Tours:
Educational tours of the flora and fauna of the beach and bay areas of the park
are given by appointment only. Contact the park to make arrangements.
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