Galveston's sister city, Stavanger, Norway, shares a rich maritime history and economic ties, particularly in the oil industry, reflecting their coastal locations along the North Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Established as a sister city in 1988, both cities have engaged in cultural, educational, and business exchanges, highlighting their connections through immigration and trade. With Stavanger's historic roots dating back to 1125 and Galveston's foundation in 1839, their partnership celebrates a shared heritage and mutual appreciation for their coastal lifestyles.

Galveston Unscripted

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In this episode of the Street Names Series, we explore the origin of Galveston's alphabetical half streets and their unique history. As the city expanded, large outlots were divided into smaller lots, requiring new streets, which led to the creation of half streets like Avenue N ½. We also cover the renaming of several streets to honor prominent figures like Fox Winnie, George Ball, and John Sealy.

Galveston Unscripted

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The Galveston Causeway, connecting the island to the mainland, has evolved significantly since its first railroad bridge in 1860. The current vehicle causeway, built between 2003 and 2008, stands beside a historic 1912 causeway still in use for rail traffic. The 1912 causeway was a major milestone for Galveston, facilitating both rail and automobile travel, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Galveston Unscripted

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Our journey starts in downtown Galveston, where the city’s alphabetical street names tell a tale of growth and adaptation over time. The island’s potential as a major port influenced its design and it's prosperity kept promise assisted in converting the street names.

Galveston Unscripted

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Crassostrea virginica, in Galveston Bay. These oysters have been integral to the ecosystem and local economies for centuries, even playing a surprising role in building the Houston Astrodome. We look into the challenges faced due to overfishing and environmental pressures, and the promising solutions being implemented today.

Galveston Unscripted

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Galveston's Shrimping Industry, the Mosquito Fleet, and maintaining one of Galveston Bay's edible resource.

Galveston Unscripted

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The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, established in 1891, evolved from a rich history of medical education and healthcare in the region, including the earlier Galveston Medical College and St. Mary’s Infirmary. Despite facing challenges such as segregation and funding issues, the institution became a leading center for medical training, pioneering research, and advanced healthcare, significantly contributing to the fight against infectious diseases. Over the years, UTMB has expanded into a comprehensive medical complex, reflecting its commitment to excellence in education and patient care.

Galveston Unscripted

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Galveston faces the annual threat of hurricanes, especially during the peak season of August and September. Weather forecasting has evolved from early land-based observations, pioneered by figures like Father Benito Viñez, to modern technologies like radar, drones, and satellites. These advancements, combined with historical data, enable more accurate storm predictions, helping people prepare for the dangers of hurricanes.

Galveston Unscripted

What is Galveston Unscripted?

Follow Galveston Unscripted on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! More history content on Visit Galveston!