September 1, 2005
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Read about rebuilding after the 1900 hurricane in Galveston. Here's the WikiPedia telling.
It took years. What they did was to raise the island by dredging the shipping lanes. Every building in Galveston had to either be jacked up, or else be buried up to 17 feet. Some historical buildings in Galveston have a 'ground' floor that is buried in this way.
A seawall was also installed around the island at huge expense. It's a giant concrete barrier to prevent waves from flowing over the island. It works, too.
The city never fully rebounded economically. Houston's ship channel, dredged in 1909, and its inland location made it a more desirable port. Now Galveston is a resort and tourism-oriented community.
Is this New Orleans' fate?
Comments (3)
who knows? I'm inclined to say "probably not", but it's going to be a long time before we find out.
if dennis hastert had his way, NO would end up being even less than Galveston.
Nah.... I don't think so. I think General Sherman did more damage in 1864, but not much more.
Fascinating.
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