Introduction to Galveston, Texas
Galveston, Texas, in Galveston county, is 46 miles SE of Houston, Texas. The city is included in the Galveston - Texas City metropolitan area.
Galveston History
The area now known as Galveston was originally inhabited by the Karankawa and Akokisa tribes. At that time, the region was called Auia by local Indians. Jo’s de Evia, the Spanish explorer, named the area Gélvez town or Gélveztown, after County Bernardo de Gélvez, in 1785. The area was first settled in by Europeans around 1816. The City of Galveston was incorporated in 1839. The first post office of the city was established in 1836. The city was the site of the Battle of Galveston which was fought on January 1, 1863.
Galveston and nearby Attractions
- Galveston Island State Park
- R.A. Apffell Park
- Stewart Beach Park
- Moody Gardens
- Texas Seaport Museum
- Mardi Gras Museum
- Railroad Museum
- Galveston County Museum
Things To Do In Galveston
Galveston is home to Galveston Island State Park. Visitors can enjoy water sports at Jamaica Beach, Bermuda Beach, Palm Beach, and East Beach. The Schreiber Park, Stewart Beach Park, San Jacinto Park, Sheppard Park, and Apffel Park are local parks that offer facilities for a number of recreational activities. You can also plan a day trip to Old Fort San Jacinto, Galveston County Museum, Mardi Gras Museum, and Moody Mansion Museum.
Galveston Transportation
Air transportation is available from Ellington Field Airport.
Galveston Higher Education
The University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston, Galveston College, and Texas A & M University - Galveston lie within the city.
