1900 Galveston hurricane facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
1900 Galveston hurricane

Surface weather analysis of the hurricane on September 8, just before landfall
Meteorological history
Formed	August 27, 1900
Extratropical	September 11, 1900
Dissipated	September 15, 1900
Category 4 tropical cyclone
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds	145 mph (230 km/h)
Lowest pressure	936 mbar (hPa); 27.64 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities	6,000–12,000 (Deadliest in U.S. history; fourth-deadliest Atlantic hurricane)
Damage	$1.25 billion (2023 USD)
Areas affected	Lesser Antilles, Greater Antilles (Dominican Republic and Cuba landfalls), Turks and Caicos Islands, Bahamas, Gulf Coast of the United States (Texas landfall), Midwestern United States, Mid-Atlantic, New England, Eastern Canada
Part of the 1900 Atlantic hurricane season

The 1900 Galveston hurricane, also called the Great Galveston hurricane or the Great Storm of 1900, was a powerful tropical cyclone. It became the deadliest natural disaster in the history of the United States. This storm caused between 6,000 and 12,000 deaths in the U.S. Most official reports state around 8,000 people lost their lives. Many of these deaths happened in and around Galveston, Texas, an island city. A massive storm surge flooded the city with 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 m) of water.

This hurricane is still one of the deadliest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded. It destroyed about 7,000 buildings in Galveston. This included 3,636 homes that were completely demolished. Every building in the city had some damage. Around 10,000 people became homeless. This was a huge number for a city with fewer than 38,000 residents. The disaster changed Galveston's future. After the storm, engineers created plans to build a large seawall. They also planned to raise parts of Galveston Island by up to 17 feet (5.2 m) to protect it from future storms.

How the Great Storm Formed and Traveled

The storm likely started as a tropical wave off the coast of Africa. It moved into the Atlantic Ocean around August 27, 1900. Back then, scientists called meteorologists didn't have satellites or advanced tools. They mostly relied on ship reports to track storms.

The storm was first spotted east of the Windward Islands. It then traveled west-northwest, passing through the Leeward Islands and into the Caribbean Sea. On September 2, it made landfall in the Dominican Republic. It then crossed Hispaniola and later hit Cuba.

As the storm moved into the Gulf of Mexico, it grew much stronger. On September 7, it reached its peak power. It became a Category 4 hurricane with winds of about 145 mph (233 km/h). This is based on today's Saffir–Simpson scale.

The hurricane's path from September 1 to 10, 1900.

The U.S. Weather Bureau initially thought the storm would turn towards Florida. However, a high-pressure area pushed it northwest into the Gulf. This warm water helped the storm gain strength. On September 8, the hurricane turned northwest and headed for Texas. The Weather Bureau office in Galveston started feeling hurricane-force winds that evening.

The powerful storm hit land south of Houston around 8:00 p.m. CST on September 8. It was still a Category 4 hurricane. After moving inland, the storm quickly weakened. By September 11, it had changed into an extratropical cyclone over Iowa. It then moved across the Midwestern United States, New England, and Eastern Canada. The storm finally disappeared near Iceland on September 15.

Galveston Before the Storm

Galveston, founded in 1839, was a busy and growing city in the late 1800s. Its population grew to almost 38,000 people by 1900. It was one of the largest cities in Texas and an important port for trade. Many people called its downtown area, The Strand, the "Wall Street of the Southwest."

Because Galveston had survived many storms before, people felt very safe. They believed no future storm could cause serious harm. Isaac Cline, who led the Weather Bureau office in Galveston, even wrote an article in 1891. He said a strong hurricane could not hit Galveston Island.

However, some people remembered what happened to Indianola, Texas. That town was almost destroyed by powerful hurricanes in 1875 and 1886. They suggested building a seawall to protect Galveston. But most people and the city government didn't think it was necessary. They listened to experts like Cline, who believed the island was safe.

Because of this, no seawall was built. In fact, the city even removed natural sand dunes along the shore. These dunes could have offered some protection. Removing them made Galveston even more vulnerable to a big storm.

Preparing for the Hurricane

On September 4, the Weather Bureau in Galveston received warnings. The main office in Washington, D.C., said a storm was moving north over Cuba. At that time, the Weather Bureau avoided using words like "hurricane." They didn't want to cause panic among residents.

Weather forecasters in the U.S. thought the storm would turn towards Florida. They believed it would then move out into the Atlantic Ocean. So, storm warnings were issued for Florida and other East Coast states. However, Cuban forecasters disagreed. They strongly believed the hurricane would continue west towards Texas.

On the morning of September 8, the ocean swells in Galveston were high. But the sky was only partly cloudy. Many residents didn't think there was much to worry about. Few people left the island for the mainland. Most were not concerned even when rain clouds started to appear later that morning.

Isaac Cline, the Galveston meteorologist, later said he warned people in low-lying areas. However, some historians question these accounts. Cline had previously stated that a strong hurricane couldn't hit the island.

Impact of the Great Storm

Template:Deadliest United States hurricanes The Great Galveston hurricane caused widespread damage and loss of life. It remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. The storm caused over US$34 million in damage across the United States. About US$30 million of that was in Galveston County, Texas alone.

Damage in the Caribbean

The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to parts of the Caribbean. Antigua reported a severe thunderstorm. In Jamaica, heavy rainfall caused rivers to swell. This damaged banana farms and washed away parts of railroads. In Cuba, the city of Santiago de Cuba received over 12 inches (320 mm) of rain. The southern part of the city was flooded with about 5 feet (1.5 m) of water.

Impact in the United States

Florida to Louisiana

Parts of South Florida experienced strong winds. Jupiter had winds up to 48 mph (77 km/h). The storm caused "considerable damage" in the Palm Beach area. Many small boats were damaged or sank. In Louisiana, the storm brought strong winds and storm surge to coastal areas. It caused severe damage to rice crops. Roads near New Orleans were flooded, making them impassable.

Texas Devastation

Floating wreckage near Texas City after the hurricane.

Most of the damage in the U.S. happened in Texas, especially in Galveston. Many towns outside Galveston also suffered greatly. Cities like Alvin and Pearland reported almost all buildings destroyed. Nine people died in Alvin, and the city had about $50,000 in damage. In Houston, the storm damaged many buildings, including churches and homes. Streets were blocked by fallen trees and power lines. Houston suffered about $250,000 in damage and two deaths.

A train heading to Galveston on September 8 found its tracks washed out. Passengers had to transfer to another train. Many travelers from Beaumont were stranded on the Bolivar Peninsula. They waited for a ferry that couldn't dock due to high seas. Ten people found shelter in the Point Bolivar lighthouse and survived. However, 85 people who stayed with the train died when the storm surge covered the cars.

Galveston's Catastrophe

Map showing the path and storm surge of the 1900 Galveston hurricane.

Galveston Island was very low, with its highest point only 8.7 feet (2.7 m) above sea level. The hurricane brought a storm surge of over 15 feet (4.6 m). This massive wall of water swept over the entire island. Water began flooding the city early on September 8. It rose quickly, with some eyewitnesses saying it rose 4 feet (1.2 m) in just four seconds.

The highest recorded wind speed was 100 mph (160 km/h). But the Weather Bureau's wind gauge broke after that. Experts believe winds were much stronger, possibly up to 145 mph (233 km/h). This would make it a Category 4 hurricane. The storm also dropped 9 inches (230 mm) of rain, a record for September.

The storm surge destroyed all bridges connecting Galveston to the mainland. It also wiped out 15 miles (24 km) of railroad tracks. Electrical, telegraph, and telephone lines were all downed. The surge swept buildings off their foundations. Many buildings crashed into others, causing even more destruction. Every home in Galveston was damaged, and 3,636 homes were completely destroyed. About 10,000 people became homeless.

Images of the destruction from the hurricane in Galveston, Texas

Public buildings, including city hall and a hospital, were damaged. The Beach Hotel was swept into the gulf, and 300 guests died. The Grand 1894 Opera House was badly damaged but quickly rebuilt.

The St. Mary's Orphans Asylum housed 93 children and 10 sisters. As the water rose, the sisters moved the children to a stronger dorm. They sang "Queen of the Waves" to calm the children. The building eventually collapsed. Only three children survived, and none of the sisters.

The total damage in Galveston was estimated at over $17 million. This included damage to homes, churches, businesses, and public properties. An area of about 1,900 acres (7.7 km²) was completely destroyed. A 3 mile (4.8 km) long wall of debris was left in the middle of the island.

Because bridges and telegraph lines were destroyed, no one on the mainland knew the full extent of the disaster. On September 9, a ship reached Texas City with messengers. They sent a message to the Texas Governor and U.S. President. It said, "the city of Galveston is in ruins." They estimated 500 dead, which was thought to be an exaggeration.

Rescuers arrived to find the city completely destroyed. The death toll was at least 6,000, possibly up to 12,000. Many survived the storm but died later, trapped under wreckage. The 1900 Galveston hurricane remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history.

Midwest and Northeast Impact

As the storm moved north, it continued to cause strong winds and heavy rain. In Illinois, Chicago experienced wind gusts up to 84 mph (135 km/h). This caused thousands of dollars in damage to roofs, trees, and windows. Two people died in Chicago. Rough seas on Lake Erie led to several shipwrecks. One steamer, the John B. Lyon, capsized, and 14 crew members drowned.

A destroyed iron works in Buffalo, New York.

In New York, Buffalo was hit hard with winds up to 78 mph (126 km/h). Many power lines and trees fell. A newly built iron works building was almost destroyed. One person died in Buffalo after touching a downed electrical wire. In New York City, strong winds made walking difficult. One person died when a sign pole fell on them.

Across New England, the storm damaged apple crops and caused high tides. In Massachusetts, lightning started several brush fires, which winds spread. In Vermont, strong winds created huge waves on Lake Champlain. Telephone and telegraph services were cut off in many areas.

Canadian Impact

Weather Bureau map of the storm as an extratropical cyclone moving into Canada on September 12.

From September 12 to 14, the storm's remnants affected six Canadian provinces. In Ontario, storm surge on Lake Ontario reached 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3.0 m). This damaged many boats. Winds in Toronto reached 77 mph (124 km/h), breaking windows. A fire at a flour mill in Paris caused $350,000 in damage. Crop damage in Ontario alone was $1 million.

In Nova Scotia, fences and trees fell, and windows shattered. Several schooners were driven ashore. On Prince Edward Island, barns, a windmill, and a lobster factory were destroyed. Fruit crops were almost completely ruined. The majority of deaths in Canada were due to shipwrecks off the coasts of Saint Pierre and Miquelon and Newfoundland. Between 52 and 232 people died in Canadian waters.

Aftermath and Rebuilding

The city of Galveston was almost completely destroyed. With railroads to the mainland gone, survivors had little until help arrived. Galveston city officials quickly formed a Central Relief Committee. This committee helped with burying the deceased, distributing food and water, and caring for the injured. This difficult work continued for weeks.

Many survivors left Galveston and never returned. However, the city's population recovered over time.

Rebuilding and Protection Efforts

A plaque on a building in Galveston showing it survived the 1900 hurricane.

Survivors set up temporary shelters in tents, creating a "White City on the Beach." Others built new homes using materials salvaged from the wreckage. A building committee helped people get money to rebuild. By March 1901, over 1,000 new cottages were built, and many homes were repaired.

Help poured in from across the United States and even other countries. Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, visited Galveston. Her presence and calls for donations brought in a lot of aid. Within weeks, basic services were restored, and cotton was again being shipped from the port.

The hurricane showed that Galveston needed better protection. The city hired a team of engineers to design solutions. They recommended building a massive seawall. In 1902, residents voted to fund its construction. The first part of the seawall, 17 feet (5.2 m) high, was completed in 1904. Construction continued for decades, with the final segment finished in 1963. The seawall now stretches for over 10 miles (16 km).

Another huge effort was raising the entire city. About 15 million cubic yards (11.5 million m³) of sand were used to raise parts of Galveston by as much as 17 feet (5.2 m). Over 2,100 buildings, including large churches, were lifted during this process.

These protection efforts proved successful. In 1915, another strong hurricane hit Galveston. While 53 people still died, this was a huge reduction from the thousands lost in 1900. The seawall has protected Galveston from many powerful storms since then, including Hurricane Carla in 1961 and Hurricane Alicia in 1983.

Galveston's New Future

The 1900 hurricane changed Galveston's future. Before the storm, it was a major trade center. But after the disaster, many investors turned to Houston instead. Houston grew rapidly, especially after oil was discovered nearby.

To help rebuild the city's government, Galveston adopted a new "commission government" in 1901. This new system, where a small group of commissioners managed different parts of the city, was very successful. It inspired about 500 other U.S. cities to adopt similar governments.

In 2000, Galveston commemorated the hurricane's 100th anniversary. Events included plays, a memorial service, and the dedication of a monument. Speakers included U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and news anchor Dan Rather. The monument honors the 10 nuns and 90 children who died at St. Mary's Orphans Asylum.

The last reported survivor of the 1900 Galveston hurricane, Maude Conic, passed away in 2004. Today, the Texas Seaport Museum in Galveston features a documentary called The Great Storm. It tells the story of this historic hurricane.

Related pages

• 1915 Galveston hurricane

See also

In Spanish: Huracán de Galveston (1900) para niños

• History of Galveston, Texas
• Hurricane Laura (2020) — Took a nearly identical track in 2020.
• Isaac's Storm – Erik Larson's non-fiction book recounting the hurricane and the life of Galveston meteorologist Isaac Cline
• "Wasn't That a Mighty Storm" – An American folk song about the 1900 Galveston hurricane, later popularized by musicians such as Eric Von Schmidt and Tom Rush
• A Weekend in September - Nonfiction book about the hurricane

Images for kids

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  Hurricane track from September 1 to 10

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  Map of rainfall totals in Florida

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  Floating wreckage near Texas City – a common sight for miles along the waterfront

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  Map showing the destruction in Galveston

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  A destroyed iron works in Buffalo

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  A plaque on buildings in Galveston showing they survived the 1900 hurricane

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  The Seawall in Galveston

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  The Place of Remembrance statue, built in 2000. This 10-foot (3.0 m) bronze sculpture on the Galveston seawall shows a family holding onto each other.