The city of Galveston is the county seat of Galveston County and presently hosts a population of around 57,466. The city limits stretch across 208 square miles. The city of Galveston is situated on Galveston Island as part of the Sugar Land-Baytown-Houston metropolitan area.
Historically, the area was initially settled by the Akokisa and Karankawa Tribe and was referred to as Auia by the local natives. The name was changed to Galveston by Jose de Evia during 1785, who named the city after the Count of Galvez, Bernardo de Galvez y Madrid. The very first European settlements which were established on the island were built about 1816. Shortly after, the Congress of Mexico established the Port of Galveston during the year 1825 after its successful uprising from the Spaniards. The city of Galveston wasn't incorporated until 1839. During the Texas Revolution, the city of Galveston served as the primary port for the Texas Navy. It was also the site of the Second Battle of Galveston in the American Civic war on the 1st of January, the year 1863.
Economically speaking, the city of Galveston largely depends on the tourism, health care, financial and fishing businesses. Among the key economic forces is the University of Texas Medical Branch campus, that covers 84-acres and hosts more than 2,500 students. The city of Galveston is a historic treasure trove, with over 60 structures listed in the National Register of Historic Treasures. Galveston contains six historic districts that consists of several of the oldest nineteenth-century buildings.
Amongst the most popular places in the city is Galveston Island Park. There are also several beaches in the city of Galveston, like for instance Bermuda Beach, Jamaica Beach, Palm Beach, and East Beach. For those seeking facilities for outdoor recreational activities, the city provides some parks like for instance the Schreiber Park, Stewart Beach Park, Sheppard Park, Apffel Park and San Jacinto Park. The Galveston County Museum, Old Fort San Jacinto, Moody mansion Museum and the Mardi Gras Museum all offer educational and entertaining activities.
During the 19th century, the city of Galveston was initially developed to become a major U.S. commercial center and one of the nation's biggest ports. Referred to as the Galveston Wharves, the Port of Galveston started as a trading post during 1825. Ever since then, the port has expanded to cover almost 850 acres. It is located on the north side of Galveston Island, with a few facilities on Pelican Island but with most located on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The facilities are outfitted to handle a variety of cargo, like for instance dry and liquid bulk, containers, Roll-on/roll-off, refrigerated cargo, and project cargo.
The port is not only restricted to trade; it also serves as a passenger cruise ship terminal. Two of the Carnival Cruise Lines vessels, the Carnival Conquest and the Carnival Ecstasy make port in the city of Galveston. As of November 2011, the 3,930 passenger megaship Carnival Magic and Carnival Triumph would be joining them. Carnival Magic would be the largest cruise ship based at the port year round and would offer a seven-day Caribbean cruise from the city of Galveston. MS Voyager of the Seas, run by Royal Caribbean International, is currently the largest ship based within the city of Galveston. During 2012, Disney Magic would begin to offer 7 day cruises to Mexico and the Caribbean.
In the past, the city of Galveston is best known for the hurricane which damaged the city during the year 1900. The natural disaster which followed is still considered to be among the most devastating in the history of America.