Abstract
Galveston Island, one of the long, narrow barrier beaches that fringe the Gulf Coast of Texas, is a low, sandy formation about 28 miles long and from -g to 3 miles wide. In its natural state the Gulf shore was bordered by an area of sand dunes rising to heights of 12 to 15 feet above the natural surface of the island. The availability of deep water along the bay side of the island led to the early development of the city of Galveston on the east end of the island. In its early days the city was protected from hurricane tides by the sand dunes along the Gulf front. The rapid development of the city in the latter part of the 19th century, especially its increasing importance as a summer resort, lead to the removal of the sand dunes along the beach front for fill and to permit easy access to the beach. Without the dunes the city was unprotected from the fury of the hurricanes. The danger to the city was realized by a number of persons, and several plans for storm protection had been developed; however, because of financing difficulties and general public apathy none of these plans was carried out. Figure one shows a map of Galveston Island with development as it was in 1900.
Highlights
Gaivebton Island, one of the lonj, narrow barrier beaches that fringe the Gulf Coast of Texas, is a low, sandy formation about 28 miles long and from -g to 3 miles wide
In its natural state the Gulf shore was bordered by an area of sand dunes rising to heights of 12 to 15 feet above the natural surface of the island
The availability of deep water along the bay side of the island led to the early development of the city of Galveston on the east end of the island
Summary
In its natural state the Gulf shore was bordered by an area of sand dunes rising to heights of 12 to 15 feet above the natural surface of the island. In its early days the city was protected from hurra cane tides by the sand dunes along the Gulf front. The danger to the city was realized by a number of persons, and several plans for storm protection had been developed; because of financing difficulties and general public apathy none of these plans was carried out. The hurricane winds of this storm and accompanying 15-foot tide that swept the city caused property damages reported to be over 4>25,000,000, and a loss of more than 6,000 lives. About one year after the storm the City Commission of Galveston and the County Commissioners Court of Galveston County appointed a board of engineers to report on means for protecting the city. The safest and most efficient way for protecting the city against overflows from the sea
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