Yesterday was the anniversary of the 1900 hurricane that wiped out a good portion of the island of Galveston, Texas. I couldn’t let that date go by without mentioning it. If you haven’t read much about it in history, let me tell you that it is an amazing, true story of devastation and horror and the courage and ingenuity of survivors.
As it is in the aftermath of tragedy, I find myself wishing that people had done differently, that they had taken the rising sea waters more seriously, that they had gone to St. Mary’s Church on the island. It was one of the few buildings that survived the hurricane. But, of course, nobody knew that the hurricane was going to be that bad. And, when they did realize it, it was too late.
Galveston was very near sea waters. In some places, only nine feet above them, but they had been hit by hurricanes before 1900. This one, however, was much, much worse than anyone could have imagined, and loss of life was estimated at 6,000 to 8,000. It’s impossible to comprehend such a disaster.
In the aftermath, some people left Galveston–there was nothing left for them. But, many others stayed and, amazingly, they re-built. I can only admire the pluck, determination, courage, and resolve of Galveston citizens who built a concrete sea wall and raised the level of their island, including utilities and sidewalks, as well as buildings. Even St. Patrick’s Church, which weighed perhaps 3,000 tons, was lifted five feet. Slurry from the bottom of the harbor was used to fill in under the buildings, then the water drained away. Remember, this was before the days of mechanization. Mule power, man power, and ingenuity got the job done.
Anyway, I’m no expert on the hurricane or the island or its history. I’m only an admirer. But, if you need a picker-upper about facing what seem to be impossible circumstances and winning, you have only to look at Galveston and their recovery from the category four hurricane which roared ashore on a warm September Saturday, in the year 1900. The response of the citizens seems almost miraculous, but they did what would seem to me, almost impossible. They faced the horror, saw what needed to be done, and with a lot of fortitude and determination, they got the job done!
Truly! We were there shortly after hurricane Ike in 2008 and saw many piles of rubble and reconstruction and dry-out efforts.It seems impossible to protect people and buildings that close to the raging sea. She can be ferocious! But people can be resilient and stubborn and attempt to match her. Onward!
You’re right, Kimberly. I admire their resilience and they do a whole lot to protect the island. A lot of courage. Thanks for writing.