Galveston, Texas

Late 19th - Early of 20th Century

Named after Bernardo de Gálvez  Madrid of Spain. Galveston, or Galvez' Town, became an incredibly important settlement in the history of Texan immigration.  Rev. Josef Bergmann’s letters in Moravské Noviny advised Czechs to take passage on a German ship directly to Galveston, Texas, then to head out to the vast countryside. Czech immigrants founded many farming communities, and future families would opt to settle in these areas rather than in cities. Galveston Island has been compared to Ellis Island in New York where countless people from around the world entered the United States. Similarly, poised with many immigration centers and quarantine stations, 19th century Galveston was the location where many modern Texas families took their first steps as Americans.