By Marsha Wilson Rappaport

Did You Know?

• Deer used to swim in Galveston Bay and stop on uninhabited islands to eat grass.
  
• A skull with 12-foot tusks was found in San Leon.  Those are the largest skeletal remains ever found in the county.
  
• A giant steamship named The Algoa caused such a stir at the port that a whole town was named after it! That ship became a celebrity and had an entire town as a fan club.
  
• A shipwrecked family who landed in the County was greeted by deer, wolves, and rattlesnakes in 1834.
  
• Some of the trees that thrive today in Galveston County grew from saplings brought by early settlers who were growing their own future homes and furniture.

These fun facts about our county were provided by Jodi Wright-Gidley, the Director and Curator of the Galveston County Museum. These and a host of other fascinating bits of history about our county are awaiting discovery in a new book that was researched and compiled by the Galveston County Historical Commission. You can find Galveston County, Texas: A Narrative and Pictorial History at the Galveston County Museum, along with more than 20,000 artifacts and archives that provide a robust picture of the lives of folks in our county.

​​The Galveston County Museum is one of our newest hidden historical treasures. Tucked away in the old Galveston County Courthouse on the Island, it houses artifacts, photos, and exhibits that really provide an in-depth picture of the cities, towns and people who worked, lived, and played in our county. This month, the museum is celebrating Mardi Gras with a brand-new exhibit. The elaborate historic costumes covered in spun gold, rich furs, bangles, and beads on display speak to the creativity of county residents who cherished the annual celebration of Mardi Gras.

The museum has a host of unique events, including author book signings and a special “Padlock Mystery Game.”

The Galveston County Museum is a perfect venue for Seniors and families wanting to spend a day out. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 am to 4 pm, admission is FREE.

The Museum is centrally located on Galveston Island at 722 Moody/21st Street. There is parking in the back lot and along the street. There is a handicapped ramp accessible from the parking lot that will take you right to the front entrance of the Museum.  The venue is also two blocks away from Postoffice Street restaurants that are open for lunch.

Find out more about the Galveston County Museum at: http://www.galvestoncountyhistory.org

 
 

 

 

Jodi and Christine are on YouTube with "Unboxing History"!

A Special Treat for History Buffs!

Browse Historical Treasures at the Galveston County Museum