Galveston is built on a low flat island in the Gulf of Mexico. After being struck with a few hurricanes, the residents proposed to build a seawall for protection against hurricanes and swells. In 1891 the director of the Galveston Weather Bureau stated that erecting a seawall was not necessary to protect the town. Little did they know that a simple seawall would help save thousands of lives.
On this day September 8th, in 1900 the Galveston Hurricane struck the city of Galveston in Texas and caused an estimated death toll of 8,000 victims to a booming town with a population of 37,000 residents.
With estimated winds of 145 miles per hour at landfall, the Galveston Hurricane became the deadliest hurricane in US history and the second costliest hurricane in US history. It is also known for being the deadliest natural disaster ever to strike the United States. When in doubt, play it safe.