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History of Galveston:
Galveston was incorporated in 1839 and became the most active port west of New Orleans. On September 8, 1900, Galveston was devastated by one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit the United States. A third of the city was destroyed, and more than 6,000 people lost their lives in what has been called The Great Storm. Though the city was rebuilt, it never returned to its level of prominence, instead becoming a hub for gambling and alcohol during the Prohibition Era. In 1957, Texas Rangers raided the city and destroyed the casinos, but the city didn’t recover until the 1980s, when George Mitchell led the campaign to overhaul the historic sections of Galveston. Famous architects constructed fantastical Mardi Gras arches over the streets in the Strand District, and the 1877 Tall Shipp ELISSA was restored and brought to port in Galveston.
Galveston again was devastated by a storm in 2008. Hurricane Ike came with 100 mph winds and a storm surge of almost 20 feet, hitting the east end of the island. The city of Galveston is still recovering from this disaster.
Fun Facts about Galveston:
- Texas’ first post office, opera house, hospital, golf course and country club were all located in Galveston!
- After the storm of 1900, survivors raised the entire city another eight feet and sloped the ground so that flood waters would run off into the bay.
- Singer Barry White was born in Galveston, TX in 1944.
- Comedian Bill Engvall was also born in Galveston, TX on July 27, 1957.
- The first black world heavyweight boxing champion, Jack “Galveston Giant” Johnson, came from Galveston.
Galveston at a Glance:
- Unemployment Rate: 10.1%
- Population (2007): 56,940
- Average household income (2007): $35,610
- Land area: 46.2 square miles
- Elevation: 10 feet
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June 20 - June 26 (Jr. High and Sr. High)
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Participants |
Hot List
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120
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121
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Hot List numbers indicate “highly interested” non-registered participants. Hot List numbers are not being “saved.” All registered participants have paid their $50 per person registration fee. Registration is on a first come first serve basis. |
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Register for this workcamp
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How
far is Galveston from..
Niagara Falls, NY...1,612 miles
Pittsburgh, PA...1,394 miles
Washington, DC...1,435 miles
Chicago, IL...1,141 miles
St. Louis, MO...890 miles
Atlanta, GA...813 miles
Reach Headquarters in CO...1,114 miles |
Pre and Post Workcamp Activities
Wednesday Activities
Local Restaurants
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Find out more:
http://www.galveston.com
http://www.cityofgalveston.org
http://en.wikipedia.org
School Address:
Workcamper’s Name
c/o Reach Workcamps
TBA
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