Galveston Island

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A map of Galveston Island, a barrier island on the Texas Gulf coast in the United States

Galveston Island is a barrier island on the Texas Gulf coast in the United States, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Houston. The entire island, with the exception of the little Village of Jamaica Beach, is within the city limits of the City of Galveston.

The island is about 27 miles (43 kilometers) long and no more than 3 miles (5 kilometers) wide at its widest point. The island is oriented generally northeast-southwest, with the Gulf of Mexico on the east and south, West Bay on the west, and Galveston Bay on the north. The island's main access point from the mainland is the Interstate Highway 45 causeway that crosses West Bay on the northeast side of the island. The far north end of the island is separated from the Bolivar Peninsula by Galveston Harbor, the entrance to Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel. Ferry service is available between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula. The southern end of the island is separated from the mainland by San Luis Pass. The San Luis Pass-Vacek Toll Bridge connects the San Luis Pass Road on Galveston Island with the Bluewater Highway that leads south into the town of Surfside Beach.

[edit] Education

Galveston Island is within the Galveston Independent School District.

All residents are zoned to Ball High School.

Colleges and universities include:

Galveston Community College (GCC)
University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG)

[edit] History

Galveston was settled in 1528 by Europeans, although, at the time Akokisa and Karankawa Indians already lived and camped there.

[edit] References

Galveston Island from the Handbook of Texas Online
Galveston Island State Park official web site.

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