Galveston Monthly

This Month

Saengerfest Legacy

217 Tremont

Generations of history reside in the row of three buildings at 213-217 Tremont Street, located just around the corner from the Tremont House. The three-story brick structures with Italianate rounded window hoods, double-leaf doors, and cast-iron fronts were constructed by Rice, Baulard & Company in 1870. They were built to replace the firm’s earlier building lost in the Moro Castle Fire of December 1869.

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Heidenheimer

How Do You Deux Mardi Gras

Close to half a million revelers are expected to “let the good times roll” in Galveston as the city transforms with electrifying energy for 12 days this month. The streets will be awash in the iconic colors of purple, gold, and green, setting the stage for the extravagant pageantry where krewes reign supreme and masquerade royalty takes center stage. Homes and porches will be adorned with festive decorations, welcoming ragin’ Cajuns and visitors ready to ...

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ArtWeek

Nutritional Benefits of Local Honey

Spring and summer bring Galveston’s greenery to life, but they also usher in the challenges of allergy season. The Gulf Coast’s vibrant plant life and distinctive climate create the ideal conditions for triggering itchy eyes, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms. In the quest for natural health solutions, one humble ingredient has garnered attention for its potential benefits: unpasteurized, unfiltered honey. This golden elixir, sourced directly from local bees, is believed to offer a host of health advantages,...

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Ship

Cool Season Herbs

As February rolls around, Galveston gardeners gear up to breathe new life into their green spaces. The unique blend of our area’s mild winters and coastal climate makes it an ideal time to cultivate cool-season culinary herbs. Whether you’re planting vibrant cilantro, hardy parsley, or fragrant dill, the local climate ensures a thriving herb garden that promises fresh, homegrown flavors all season long. It’s the perfect environment for cool-season culinary herbs to flourish.

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Ship

The Great Gulf Coast Snowstorm

This month marks the 130th anniversary of the Great Gulf Coast Snowstorm that hit Texas and Louisiana in February 1895. The weather event produced the greatest amount of snowfall over Southeast Texas ever recorded since the area was settled. In what turned out to be a snowstorm of epic proportions, snow began to fall about one o’clock in the afternoon on Valentine's Day and continued to fall for the rest of the day.

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'Chili' Weather Forecast for February

West End Chili Cookoff Celebrates 15 Years on Saturday, February 15

ChiPlaceholder imageli is a classic American dish, even more classically Texan, rooted in the central Southwest of the country. Historians agree that San Antonio was the birthplace of its Texas roots in the early 1800s.

There is no doubt, or lack of documentation, that the “chili queens” of San Antonio helped popularize this simple but hearty dish. In the 1880s, Market Square was a hubbub of folks lining up to sample the fare from outdoor chili booths. 

 This spicy stew arrived in San Antonio when families emigrated from the Spanish Canary Islands. The piquant dish was described as a sort of hash with as many chile peppers as meat and included onions, garlic, cumin, and oregano.

Mardi Gras! Galveston 2025 Unveils Art Installation Honoring the Beads for Needs Program and Historic Mardi Gras Arches

Mardi Gras! Galveston 2025 is excited to announce a captivating new art installation that bridges the past and present of this iconic celebration. This year, members of the Krewe of Misfits teamed up with the Beads for Needs Program at Ball High School to recreate one of the historic Mardi Gras Fantasy Arches, originally commissioned by the Mitchell family in the late 1980s. This remarkable collaboration is set to add a unique touch of nostalgia and creativity to the festival. 

 Placeholder imageThe centerpiece of this project is the recreation of the Cesar Pelli Arch, a modern masterpiece that once stood at 21st and Mechanic in downtown Galveston. The original arch, a striking structure measuring 48 feet wide and 35 feet tall, introduced a contemporary flair to the area during its time. 

 While all but one of the Fantasy Arches have been lost to history, the new version will revive this beloved element on a smaller scale, measuring 12 feet wide and 8 feet tall. 

 This reimagined arch is being constructed by a dedicated team of Krewe of Misfits members and students from the Beads for Needs Program. In keeping with Mardi Gras’ spirit of sustainability and creativity, the structure will be covered in broken Mardi Gras beads that could not otherwise be resold. 

 The design, built-in six detachable pieces, will feature a monochromatic base coat painted by students during a special workday at Ball High School. Following this, additional workdays at The Proletariat will focus on affixing the beads with hot glue and reinforcing them with clear caulking. 

 "This project exemplifies the spirit of Mardi Gras and the sense of community it fosters," said Becky Major, Creative Director for Misfits Productions. "By involving students and local artists, we’re celebrating both the festival’s rich history and the creativity of our present-day community." 

 The Cesar Pelli Arch will be completed in time for Mardi Gras! Galveston 2025 and displayed at the Tremont House during the event dates. Afterward, it will find a permanent home in the community, serving as a lasting testament to the collaboration and artistry that define Mardi Gras. 

 The Beads for Needs Program, which involves Ball High School students in recycling Mardi Gras beads to fundraise for local initiatives, has been a cornerstone of Mardi Gras! Galveston’s philanthropic efforts. This new project further highlights the intersection of art, history, and community support that makes the festival so special.

Mardi Gras Collection Featured

Mardi Gras collection now on display all year long at Galveston County Museum

GalvPlaceholder imageeston County Museum has on display selections from their vast Mardi Gras costume collection that will now be exhibited year round. The Museum’s collection includes hundreds of costumes and other archives and artifacts related to Galveston’s historic Mardi Gras traditions. 

 The museum has created a special gallery that will feature its Mardi Gras collection. New artifacts will be featured annually. In 2025, the oldest costume on exhibit is from 1932, and the newest is a Treasure Ball train from 1988. 

 The museum continues to collect Mardi Gras and Treasure Ball artifacts and encourages the public to contact them if you are interested in donating. 

 The Galveston County Museum is located inside the old county courthouse at 722 Moody/21st Street. Admission is free on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am to 4pm. Tours can be arranged on Tuesdays and Thursdays by calling 409.766.2340. For more information visit www.galvestoncountyhistory.org.

What’s New in Galveston

New ownership in established downtown retail stores, unique coffeehouse opens, and island antique additions and changes

Placeholder imageStrolling through Galveston's downtown shops is a delightful way to spend time. With over 100 establishments, there's something for every shopper, from unique finds to historic collectibles. 

 This month, two long-time downtown favorites on The Strand celebrate new ownership and fresh updated showrooms, while stores across the island feature winter sales and new spring items. With fewer crowds, it's the perfect time to shop. 

 Galveston has a rich past, and our antique shops are brimming with nautical and heirloom treasures perfect for your beach and historic homes. Some stores are closing, others are moving, and new ones are opening. Check out our Antique News section for updates. 

 For a refreshing beverage and a bite to eat, visit the new veteran-owned coffee, wine, and beer bar on 61st Street. It’s a unique place where they also have a stage where they showcase local talent. 

 What is sure to be exciting news for our island foodies, several local eateries across the island have updated their menus. Review our Restaurant News section for the updates. 

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  • home-garden
    Home & Garden
    Enjoy inspirational interiors, decorating and gardens from those that help shape Galveston Island style.

  • Eat drink local
    Food & Drink

    Where to find lunch, brunch, dinner covering casual to fine dining. These places are not afraid to try new things. Hope you're hungry.

  • Eat drink local
    Arts & Culture

    Beaches aren't all Galveston has to offer. Local theater productions, contemporary art exhibits and other family events that always inspires.



February 2025 Issue

From The Editor

From The Editor

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Strand Chronicles
The Strand

The portion of Galveston’s Strand Street between 20th and 25th Streets is called simply, “The Strand.”

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GFD History
Galveston Fire Department

Galveston Monthly presents a multi-part series on the history of the Galveston Fire Department.

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Seawall Chroncilces
Seawall Chronicles

Built after the Storm of 1900 to protect Galveston from future storms.

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Historical Homes
Galveston's Historical Homes

Histories of the incredibly rich past of the architecture in Galveston.

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