great galveston

The Great Galveston Hurricane was a powerful tropical cyclone that struck Galveston, Texas, on September 8, 1900. It is the deadliest natural disaster in United States history. The hurricane made landfall with estimated winds of 135 mph, equivalent to a Category 4 storm. A storm surge between 8 and 15 feet inundated the low-lying island, destroying most structures and causing widespread flooding. The death toll is estimated between 6,000 and 12,000 people. At the time, meteorological technology was limited, and warnings were inadequate, contributing to the high number of casualties. Following the disaster, Galveston constructed a seawall and undertook a major engineering project to raise the elevation of the city. The event also contributed to advancements in hurricane forecasting and preparedness. Before the hurricane, Galveston was a major commercial center in Texas. After the storm, its prominence declined, and other cities in the state grew in economic importance.