Galveston "Firsts"

Notable Firsts For Which Galveston Is Recognized

Galveston has a rich history of “firsts” in Texas and the United States, contributing significantly to various fields. While not even close to being one of the first Texas cities, here are some Galveston firsts.

First Public Library in Texas (1871)

The Rosenberg Library, originally founded in 1871 as the Galveston Free Library, was the first public library in the state of Texas. It continues to operate today, serving as a center for education, culture, and historical preservation. It also contains many of the titles listed on our Books about Galveston page!

The Rosenberg Library (one of our favorite places!) is at 2310 Sealy in Galveston. It is the only public library in Galveston. It is also the oldest continuously run library in the state of Texas. They have entire floors in the library dedicated to historic archives.

First Post Office in Texas (1836)

Galveston was home to the first post office in Texas, established in 1836 shortly after the founding of the city. As one of the earliest and most important ports in Texas, the city quickly became a center for communication, trade, and commerce.

First Roman Catholic Cathedral in Texas (1847)

St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica in Galveston was the first Roman Catholic Cathedral in Texas, established in 1847. It remains one of the oldest continuously operating cathedrals in the United States.

First Medical College in Texas (1891)

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), established in 1891 in Galveston, was the first medical school in Texas. It continues to be a leader in medical education, research, and healthcare.

First Telephone Call in Texas (1878)

The first telephone call in Texas was made in Galveston in 1878. The call connected Galveston with Houston, marking a major advancement in telecommunications for the region.

First Electric Light in Texas (1883)

Galveston was the first city in Texas to have electric lights in 1883. The introduction of electric lighting revolutionized the city’s infrastructure and played a role in modernizing urban areas in Texas.

First Chamber of Commerce in Texas (1845)

The Galveston Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1845, was the first of its kind in Texas. It played a crucial role in promoting trade and business development in the city, particularly as it grew into a major port.

First Juneteenth Celebration (1866)

Galveston was the birthplace of Juneteenth, with the first Juneteenth celebration taking place in 1866 after Union General Gordon Granger announced the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas. The event has since grown into a national holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S.

First Cotton Compress in the U.S.

Galveston had the first cotton compress in the United States, an essential part of Texas’ booming cotton industry in the 19th century. This innovation allowed the city to become a leading exporter of cotton to global markets.

First Jewish Reform Congregation in Texas (1868)

Congregation B’nai Israel in Galveston, founded in 1868, is recognized as the first Reform Jewish congregation in Texas and one of the oldest in the U.S.

First Paid Fire Department in Texas (1885)

The city of Galveston holds the distinction of having established the first paid fire department in Texas. After the devastating Great Fire of 1885 that destroyed much of its business district, the city recognized the need for a more organized and reliable fire protection system. Up until that point, Galveston’s fire department had been staffed by volunteers who lacked the equipment and resources necessary to effectively combat large-scale fires.

The transition to a paid department marked a major step forward in professionalizing fire safety in Texas, as it allowed for paid firemen, the purchase of modern fire engines, and the implementation of stricter fire codes. This milestone positioned Galveston as a leader in public safety and urban infrastructure, setting an example for other Texas cities to follow in the years ahead.

These “firsts” highlight Galveston’s pivotal role in Texas’ history, particularly in commerce, education, healthcare, and social development. The city has been at the forefront of many innovations that shaped both Texas and the broader United States. If you’re interested in more specific details on any of these events, feel free to ask!