Galveston Sets A World Record!
The City of Galveston made history on Saturday with a world record and a heartfelt tribute. Along the island’s iconic Seawall, thousands of people joined hands to remember the Great Storm of 1900, the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, and to celebrate the resilience of the community that rebuilt.
On September 6, Guinness World Records confirmed that Galveston’s Seawall is the longest in the world at 10.3 miles. To honor the 125th anniversary of the storm, organizers asked for 8,125 people, matching the number of lives lost, to create a human chain stretching across the Seawall.
Families traveled from near and far to take part in the living memorial. “We wanted to come down because we know our ancestors came to the shores of Galveston a long time ago,” said Houston native LaShonda Wiggins, who flew in from Washington, D.C. with her two kids. “Now we have more research to do to see if any of those people were actually in the storm.”
For others, the connection was deeply personal. “On my husband’s side, there’s like 21 direct descendants that died in the 1900 storm, and some survived, so we’re here to celebrate both,” said Joyce Kleinman.
The Seawall itself was built in the aftermath of the tragedy, designed to protect the island from future storms. On Saturday, it became a backdrop for remembrance, resilience, and record-breaking spirit, turning Galveston’s tragic history into a moment of unity and pride.
Doug O’Brien
