Fun Facts About Galveston, Texas To Know Before Your Next Cruise
History, Landmarks and Attractions to Explore Before Cruising
By Taylor Fuller | Published on December 9, 2025
Galveston, a charming Texas beachside town, is a top place to travel today. With gorgeous beaches, delicious restaurants, epic camping and fishing day trip adventures, fascinating history and jaw-dropping architecture to explore, a Galveston vacation has it all. And once you visit, you'll want to return again and again.
A city of firsts, Galveston paved the way for economic, scientific and touristic advances in Texas. Read on to learn more Galveston fun facts before you cruise out of Texas.
Quick Takeaways: Fun Facts About Galveston
- ● From Texas’s first bakery to its first opera house, the city is rich in history.
- ● Gail Borden invented condensed milk here, and the city led Texas in gas lamps, electric lights and telephones.
- ● Visit the Grand 1894 Opera House, Bishop’s Palace and the Bryan Museum for a glimpse of the past.
- ● Galveston’s port helped it grow into a vibrant cultural and commercial center on the Gulf Coast.
- ● To enjoy shops, attractions and sights steps from downtown, explore our Galveston, Texas cruises.
A Brief Overview of Galveston History
Galveston, Texas, has a rich and colorful past that’s full of firsts, inventions and historic landmarks. From its early days as a booming port city to its role in shaping the state’s culture and technology, this island city is full of fun facts about Texas to explore.
When Was Galveston Founded?
Galveston was officially founded in 1839 and quickly became a major hub for trade, culture and innovation along the Gulf Coast. Over time, the city developed a unique personality shaped by its diverse population and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
1. Galveston Is an Island
Is Galveston an island? Yes — and it’s grown into a beloved, family-friendly destination with plenty to explore and do for visitors of all ages.
How Big Is Galveston Island?
Galveston Island stretches about 27 miles along the Texas Gulf Coast and is home to beaches, historic neighborhoods and bustling ports. Its island location made it an important center for shipping and trade, shaping much of its history and charm.
2. The Inventor of Condensed Milk Lived Here
Gail Borden invented condensed milk in 1853 after witnessing the dangers of contaminated milk. Condensed milk can last for years without refrigeration if unopened, making it groundbreaking for the time.
Before that, Borden lived in Galveston as the first customs inspector. Through his collections on imports, he helped raise half the government income in the city. These funds later went toward expanding the city.
3. The First Bakery in Texas Was Opened Here
4. It's Home to the First Texas Opera House
Galveston’s first opera house, the Tremont Opera House, was built in 1871 at Tremont and Market Streets. Although opera performances had taken place in Galveston before, there wasn't a dedicated space for it. Modeled after the Booth Theater in New York, the stage was the same size and the chairs lifted when people stood so they wouldn't ruffle clothing.
It was so successful that Galveston soon needed a larger theater for its performing arts events. The Grand 1984 Opera House was constructed as a result and remains in use today as a premier performance venue. As fun things in Galveston, TX go, the Grand Opera House is at the top of the list.
5. You Can Find the Oldest Medical College in Texas Here
In 1891, the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) was established in Galveston as the state’s first medical school. The John Sealy Hospital Training School for Nurses, established in 1890, later became part of UTMB in 1896. What started as a single hospital and medical school in Galveston has grown into a world-renowned academic health center.
6. It Was the First City in Texas To Get the Cotton Press
Galveston was given the very first cotton press in Texas in 1842. By 1899, the city was not only the largest cotton port, but also the fifth most important port in the U.S. The island remains an important port because of its high shipping activity and location on the Gulf. It also houses Texas's main cruise ship terminal.
7. It's a City of Firsts for Technology
Galveston paved the way for a lot of firsts in Texas:
- ● 1856: The first city to light its streets with gas lamps.
- ● 1883: The island became the first Texas city with electric lights.
- ● 1878: The first city to have a telephone installed in the office of Colonel Alfred Horatio Belo, the founder of the Galveston Daily News (the oldest newspaper company in Texas).
Because of the city's location and important ports, Galveston stayed ahead of the curve and established itself as a major player in the U.S.
8. Galveston Was Once the Second-Richest City in the U.S.
At the end of the 19th century, Galveston was known as the "Jewel of Texas," and it was the second-richest city in the U.S. behind Rhode Island. That was until the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history changed its future forever. On September 8, 1900, Galveston was hit by a Category 4 hurricane. It resulted in a 15-foot storm surge, which flooded the city and destroyed over 3,600 buildings.
After the storm, the city took eight years to build the seawall — designed to protect the city from future natural disasters. With a lot of history to explore there, you might make a stop on your Galveston vacation.
9. There’s No Shortage of Historical Sites To Explore
On your next visit, you can check out several 19th-century buildings still standing in Galveston:
- ● The Grand 1894 Opera House: As the "Official Opera House of the State of Texas," and site of several world premiere theatre productions, this theater is a historical treasure of the Gulf Coast. Check to see what's playing while you're in town!
- ● 1892 Bishop's Palace: This ornate, Victorian-style house is one of Galveston's best-known buildings. You can visit the home on a guided tour to learn about its history, plus more fun facts about Texas.
- ● The Bryan Museum: Formerly the Galveston Orphans Home, the Bryan Museum houses the most extensive collection of southwestern artifacts in the world. Visit the 20,000 square foot property that's become a favorite Texas destination to many.
10. The Galveston Cruise Port Is Steps From Downtown Fun
Where Do You Board a Cruise Ship in Galveston?
Royal Caribbean cruises board at Pier Terminal 10, which is less than a mile from Galveston’s Downtown area. Before your cruise, you might plan a day trip and shop on "The Strand," located directly across the street from the cruise terminal. Explore a map of the Galveston cruise port area to find more restaurants and shops or trolleys for transportation.
For something a bit more adventurous before your cruise, head to Pleasure Pier. Here, you can ride on a roller coaster or try your hand at one of the carnival games. You can also visit Moody Gardens and explore the aquarium, indoor rainforest and more. Kick off your cruising adventure by exploring this charming town — you won't be disappointed.
