125th Anniversary of the Great Galveston Hurricane

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Today is the 125th anniversary of the largest natural disaster in United States history- the unnamed hurricane that struck Galveston on September 8th, 1900. It destroyed the city killing an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 citizens. In the aftermath, the port was moved 50-odd miles inland creating the fourth largest city in the USA- Houston.

Now, Galveston is a city of about 54,000 people which punches far above its' weight. It has a large medical center, tourist destination, and cruise ship piers; although the famed Balinese Room is long gone. Norwegian and South Korean corporations are planning new ship building facilities.

For some reason, natives are self-impressed that they were born on the island of Galveston (BOI); it is always included on obituaries. Soul singer Barry White and Beyonce's mother are BOI. But the only BOI you need to know about is George Mitchell. He was an Aggie petroleum engineer who invented hydraulic fracturing. Better known as "fracking", it revolutionized the extraction of oil and gas and created enormous national wealth (except in New York State where it is outlawed).

 
What is BOI? Born on Island?
Yes...and you and I aren't.

Since 1965, I've spent three days in hotels, three days in the Army Corps of Engineers office, and one day in Federal Court there. I still don't understand what they are so impressed with.
 
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It must be the Glen Campbell song!!!!
This is a violent neighborhood.

Go 8-10 miles north across West Galveston Bay to Texas City where, in April, 1947 we have the largest, accidental, man-made explosion disaster in US history.

Then, go another 8-10 miles further north to the town of San Leon we have , in 1966, the birthplace of the Banditos Motorcycle "Club".

Go another 8-10 miles north, and a few years later, we have Seabrook; Volunteer firefighter Entropychaser made his very first call there to the Seabrook Shipyard on Clear Creek just west of then Highway 146 drawbridge. A refueling yacht exploded blowing out the front of the shipyard offices with three fatalities.

 
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