Commerce grew between Galveston, Harrisburg and Houston in the later 19th century, and created additional economic opportunities as railroads were built through the Bay Area to connect these and other commercial centers. Early settler revolts against Mexican rule occurred in the region, home to the final Texan Victory over the Mexican army during the Texas Revolution.įollowing Texas' independence from Mexico and its annexation by the United States, economic growth was centered initially on agriculture and cattle ranching. In the early 19th century the pirate Jean Lafitte created a small, short-lived empire around the bay ruled from his base on Galveston Island before his being ousted by the United States Navy.įollowing Mexico's independence from Spain, the new nation established long-term settlements, including Anahuac and San Jacinto, around the bay. Spanish and French explorers traveled the area for many years gradually establishing trade with the local natives. Prior to European settlement the area around Galveston Bay was settled by the Karankawa and Atakapan tribes, who lived throughout the Gulf coast region. Though never truly a single, unified community, the histories of the Bay Area communities have had many common threads. Through their history the communities in the region have been influenced by the once competing sister cities of Houston and Galveston, but still have their own distinct history. For the inland city of Houston, see History of Houston.Ī simulated-color image of the Bay Area, courtesy of NASA.įor a period of over 7000 years, humans have inhabited the Galveston Bay Area in what is now the United States. For the island of Galveston, see History of Galveston, Texas. This article is about the history of the mainland communities around Galveston Bay.

Casinos in galveston texas