Galveston
2 of the 7 encyclopedias on this shelf carry an entry for Galveston. Both are reproduced below, so you can see where they agree and where they differ.
Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)
the chief commercial city of Texas. It is situated on Galveston Island, a low body of land thirty miles long and from one to three miles wide, composed of sand and shells thrown up by the waves of the Gulf. A passage of water between the island and the mainland is known also as Galveston Bay. The city is advantageously situated with reference to the Gulf trade with Central America , the West Indies , and Europe. It is also a natural center of distribution and shipment for a large extent of territory, embracing Texas and the country for an indefinite distance northward. The island was at one time the haunt of pirates; the notorious Lafitte had his headquarters here. Galveston was incorporated in 1839. It was reached for the first time by rail in 1860. It is now the terminus of several important lines. The general government has expended no less than $9,000,000 in deepening the channel which leads from the city out to the sea. This has been done by means of a jetty system. The channel has been narrowed by confining banks from five to seven miles in length. They are constructed of long lines of loose sandstone faced with huge granite blocks, weighing from five to twelve tons apiece. These moles are twelve feet wide at the top. The tide is confined thus to a narrow channel. It races in and out between these artificial banks, and has scoured out a channel to a depth of twenty-six feet. Although the depth was but nine feet before the construction of the jetty system, it is expected that the final depth will be not less than thirty feet, affording an adequate channel for seagoing vessels of large tonnage. Being situated on the Gulf, the city is subject to tropical storms from the direction of the West Indies. The worst on record is that of September 8, 1900, when a wave of water fifteen feet high engulfed the city and island destroying 6,000 lives and causing a property loss of not less than $17,000,000. To avoid the recurrence of such a catastrophe, a sea wall, four and one-half miles in length, has been built along the exposed front of the city. It is sixteen feet wide at the base, five feet wide at the top, and is sixteen feet high. It is protected by twenty-seven feet of riprap or loose rock on the Gulf side. This work has cost the city about a million and a half. It has been decided also to raise the grade of the city. Bonds to the extent of $2,000,000 have been issued for the purpose of bringing in earth. It is proposed to make that portion of the island seventeen feet higher at the gulf frontage and eight feet higher at the rear, with a regular grade between. The amount of labor and material required for such a fill is something enormous; but the city is determined to be out of danger. These improvements were made or determined upon by a city having less than 40,000 population at the time, a record unequaled in the history of commercial enterprise. Galveston is the first of all cotton ports. The shipments in 1907 were 3,890,000 bales. The total exports for 1908 were valued at $161,000,000. Cottonseed oil, oil cake, grain, copper and iron ore, cattle, and lumber are important exports. Breezy summers, mild winters, hard, sandy beaches, and excellent hotels are among the attractions held out to tourists. The average temperature for the year is from 68 deg. to 70 deg. That for July is about 83 deg.; that for January, 30 deg. lower. The annual rainfall is about 46 inches. See Texas ; Banana 2026 Editor's Note: Galveston (1900) remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history — 8,000 dead — and its aftermath invented the city-commission government this entry's Progressives admired, plus a seawall that worked. See Galveston . (Ed: BR 2026-07-13)
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
city and county-seat of Galveston co., Tex., on Galveston Island, between Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, and on the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas, the International and Great Northern, and several other large railroads; and having steamship lines connecting with New York, New Orleans, Vera Cruz, Liverpool, and nearly all South American and West Indian ports. It has the largest and deepest harbor on the Gulf coast, with two miles of wharf front. Following the great flood of 1900 a great sea-wall covering the entire constructed at frontage of the city was a cost of $2,000,000. The harbor was also improved by the United States Government and was made accessible for the largest steamers. Public Interests. - Galveston is the most important port and the commercial metropolis of the State, and is regularly laid out, with wide streets and handsome buildings. The public buildings include the United States Government Building, County Court House, City Hall, Supreme Court House, Cotton Exchange, Masonic Temple, and several club houses. Among the more noted educational institutions are the University of St. Mary, Medical School of the University of Texas, Ursuline Convent, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Ball High School, and the Rosenberg School. The city has electric lights, and street railroads, waterworks, a public library, and several magnificent parks. Business Interests. The commerce of the city is very extensive. In the fiscal year 1920 exports were valued at $598,- 239,227, and imports at $16,287,637. In value of exports it was second only to New York. It is the first city in the United States in the export of cotton. The industries include cotton pressing, milling and manufacturing of cotton goods, bagging and cordage. In 1919 there were 2 National banks and several private banking institutions. settled in History. Galveston was 1837; captured by the Federal forces in 1862; and retaken by the Confederates in 1863. It was nearly destroyed by fire in 1885, and on Sept. 8, 1900, was visited by a violent tornado and flood, causing the loss of 7,000 lives and the destruction of property to the value of $20,000,- 000. Pop. (1910) 36,981; (1920) 44,255.