Explore pivotal moments and influential figures in Galveston’s past.

• March 17: Bishop Nicolaus Gallagher, Galveston Bishop

Bishop Gallagher was Bishop in Galveston from 1892-1918. He was instrumental in leading the catholic church in the recovery from the great storm of 1900.

• March 24: Fr. Kirwin

Father Kirwin had a major impact on Civil affairs in Galveston. He also cared for many in the yellow fever outbreak of 1897. He is injured in the fire of 1901. He later went with troops to France in 1917.

• March 31st: The Great Fires of Galveston and the Galveston fire department

The Great Galveston fire of 1885 has been lost in History. The fire destroyed over 40 city blocks. The fire is often dwarfed by our hurricanes but was just as damaging.

• April 7th: The George Ball Family

Businessman George Ball is the patriarch of one our islands leading families. He is a philanthropist for public education in Galveston (often kept secret). He is the namesake of Ball High School.