125 Years after the 1900 Storm: America's Deadliest Hurricane and the Vessels Impacted

"It would be impossible for any cyclone to create a storm wave which could materially injure the city." Meteorologist Dr. Isaac Cline, 1891.

Founded in 1839 on Galveston Island, the City of Galveston was a thriving seaport community. In 1899, Galveston was the biggest cotton port in the country, and the third busiest overall. Forty-five steamship lines served the city, among them the White Star Line connecting Europe to Galveston. By 1900 it was the 4th largest city in Texas and one of the wealthiest in the country.

On September 8, 1900, the deadliest natural disaster in American history occurred, when one of the worst Atlantic hurricanes hit Galveston. The Category 4 storm surge was between 8 and 15 feet. Wind speeds were estimated at up to 135 miles per hour. Residents had very little warning and the destruction of bridges and te ...