Early Galveston
In the early days, Galveston Island was home to the Akokisa & Karankawa tribes of Indians. It is believed that it was the site where Cabeza de Vaca was shipwrecked in 1528.
Galveston is named for the Spanish colonial governor and general Bernardo de Galvez, who never actually set foot on the island.
The pirate Jean Lafitte arrived on the island in 1817 and made it the base of operations for his lucrative slave-trading business. His village included gambling houses, boardinghouses, pool halls, and saloons for the entertainment of visiting buyers and pirates alike. Lafitte was forced to leave the island in May 1821 after he attacked an American ship.
Galveston Incorporates
Galveston incorporates as a City in 1839. Leander Westcott appointed 1st City Marshall. The Marshall received a salary of $1500 a year plus and allowance of $600 for two deputies. He also received 2½ % of all money he collected for the city. Following a severe storm where several ships in the harbor washed ashore, the "Elbe" was made the first City Jail. After several fires ravage the city, the Night watchman is created and they report to the "Captain of the Nightwatch."
The first capital punishment was in 1840 when Henry Forbes was hung for escape.
Galveston's prosperity and growth earns it the title, "The Wall Street of the South." The largest City in Texas at the time, there were many firsts:
• 1836 The first post office
• 1836 The first naval base
• 1856 The first gas lights
• 1878 The first telephone
• 1883 The first electric lights
The Civil War 1861 - 1865
The Union blockaded the Port of Galveston to prevent smugglers from resupplying Confederate troops. Two battles took place along the waterfront and in the wharf.
Union Occupation
After the Civil War, Galveston was occupied by Union forces from 1867-1873. On the 8th of June 1867, Major General Charles Griffin, the Union general commanding the military district of Texas, fired the entire police force and appointed 25 of his own choices, including five black officers. Galveston was the first integrated police department in Texas and has been ever since.
1873-1900
The Galveston Police Department becomes a tangible institution. Officers work 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, walk beats in pairs, ride bicycles, or are mounted on horses. Officers check in with "Headquarters" by telegraph and eventually telephone. An Identification and Detective Bureau's are created.
The Hurricane of 1900
Galveston's prosperity was brought to a sudden halt when a hurricane struck the island on September 8, 1900. It still is considered the deadliest natural disaster in United States history. 6000 people were killed, including six Galveston Police Officers. 1/3rd of the Island was destroyed.
After 1900
Galveston recovered quickly, every home in Galveston was raised, and the Seawall was constructed. The Galveston Police Department recovered as well. As the island grew so did the PD. Motorcycles were purchased so "short call" officers could respond more quickly. The first PD auto was purchased in 1913. Police radios were installed in 1935.
1962
In 1962, Chief Willie Burns modernized the department with training guidelines, a new fleet, and department issued uniforms and equipment. The first fleet was purchased with FEMA funds after Hurricane Carla.
Galveston Police Department Today
For over 165 years, the Galveston Police Department has delivered a high level of service to the citizens of Galveston. As law enforcement changed, so has Galveston P.D. Today, 172 authorized officers serve in three divisions.
