Enslaved people had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation two years before word reached Galveston on a summer day in 1865. It was on June 19 of that year that U.S. Gen. Gordon Granger spread the word to Galveston, freeing one of the last groups of enslaved African Americans in the United States.
Today, that anniversary is celebrated as Juneteenth, and is now a federal holiday. But it’s especially poignant in Galveston. Visitors to the island south of Houston may now trace Granger’s steps, as well as learn of the island’s African American heritage on the Galveston Freedom Walk Tour. Along the way, view the 5,000-square-foot mural “Absolute Equality” created by Houston-based Reginald C. Adams that’s part of Galveston’s Juneteenth Legacy Project.
In addition to numerous events happening to mark Juneteenth, the Galveston Historical Foundation’s African American Heritage Committee created “And Still We Rise…Galveston’s Juneteenth Story” at the carriage house of the 1859 Ashton Villa. The exhibit features 16 interviews by committee member Tommie Boudreaux along with historic documents and items.
Stay
The Hotel Galvez, a grand dame facing Gulf waters for 112 years, has been rebranded by new owners as the Grand Galvez, along with receiving a multi-million dollar renovation. The historic hotel still sports a dramatic lobby with elaborate chandeliers, white marble flooring and rich wooden accents. Many of the 220 guest rooms have been renovated but plans are ongoing. The pool with swim-up bar, the decadent Founders Bar and the Monarch dining room are ready for visitors. The hotel will soon be part of the Marriott Autograph Collection.
Dine
Don’t be fooled by the bland exterior of BLVD Seafood, although the lines of folks waiting to get in will quickly reveal the popularity of their seafood dishes. The food comes fresh from Gulf waters and the menu includes craft cocktails and desserts made in-house.
For a more elegant setting, try the Italian creations of Chef Edgardo “Rico” Caminos of Riondo’s restaurant in a historic building in the island’s Strand District, or Landry’s Prime Seafood & Steaks right on the Seawall.
Explore
There’s plenty of reasons to visit the Bryan Museum, from its fascinating western artifacts and artwork (be sure to check out the weirdly unique Confederate Shotgun) to the diorama of the Battle of Santa Ana. This spring curator Eric Broussard unveiled “Thursday Night Lights: The Story of Black High School Football in Texas,” spotlighting many items rescued from schools torn down after desegregation. The special exhibit will be up through July 2.
Moody Gardens offers aquarium creatures from around the world — not to mention those adorable penguins — but don’t miss the Rainforest Pyramid with its 500 species of birds and more than 1,600 tropical plants. In addition, the complex includes a hotel, Discovery Museum, 3-D and 4-D theaters, golf course, zip line and a paddlewheel boat.
Catch a Cruise
Galveston’s Historic Seaport also enjoyed a facelift — a $2.5-million upgrade to what was once the nation’s second largest immigration port. It’s one reason Tall Ships America visited in mid-April. The port also attracts numerous cruise lines to its new LEED-certified cruise terminal, earning Galveston the fourth busiest cruise port in the country. New to Galveston is Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess heading to the western Caribbean and Carnival debuts a new ship, Jubilee, this year. They join Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Disney.
