The 1900 Galveston Hurricane devastated the booming city of Galveston, Texas, killing around 8,000 people and causing widespread destruction, making it the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. Despite initial underestimations and lack of preparedness, the city eventually rebuilt with improved defenses, but never regained its former prominence as development shifted to Houston.

The chapter discusses the devastating impact of the 1900 hurricane on Galveston, Texas, which was once a booming city poised to become a major American metropolis. Despite its rapid growth and economic prosperity, the city's lack of hurricane preparedness led to catastrophic consequences, leaving nearly half of its population dead or homeless.

On September 8, 1900, Galveston, Texas, was devastated by a catastrophic hurricane that brought unprecedented storm surges and winds exceeding 120 miles per hour. The storm obliterated buildings, cut off communication, and left the city submerged under more than 15 feet of water, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life.

Following the destruction of Galveston's infrastructure by a storm, residents struggled to call for help. Relief efforts were delayed, leading to a massive death toll and the grim task of disposing of thousands of bodies, many of which were burned after being washed back ashore.

Following the devastating 1900 hurricane, Galveston struggled to regain its former prominence as economic development shifted to Houston, bolstered by new oil discoveries and the construction of the Houston Shipping Channel. Despite this, Galveston residents remained resilient, implementing significant infrastructure improvements like a sea wall and raising the island's elevation, which mitigated damage from subsequent hurricanes, though challenges persist to this day.