The Strand Historic District, located downtown in Galveston, Texas, is an incredible destination for tourists and locals alike.
It is made up of mainly Victorian era buildings that house a plethora of restaurants, antique stores, and curio shops.
These properties stretch from 20th Street to 26th Street along Harborside Drive (Avenue A), The Strand (Avenue B), and Mechanic Street (Avenue C). In 1976, the Strand Historic District was declared a National Historic Landmark for its unique collection of commercial Victorian architecture.
It is commonly referred to as the five–block business district between 20th and 25th streets in downtown Galveston, and is a must–visit for anyone looking to explore the area.
Strand Historic District History
The Strand Historic District of Galveston, Texas is steeped in history that spans over two centuries. The name “Strand”, given to Avenue B, was coined by Michael William Shaw, a German immigrant who opened a jewelry store on the corner of 23rd and Avenue B.
The Strand was home to the very earliest buildings that were typically wooden and vulnerable to the frequent fires and storms that hit the island throughout the 19th century.
At one point, the Strand was known as the “Wall Street of the South” due to the fact that businesses sold US$38 million worth of merchandise and services in the district in 1881. During the Civil War, the area suffered some damage during several battles, forcing businesses to move to nearby Houston. M
any buildings in the district suffered catastrophic damage from the Galveston hurricane of 1900. The Strand District revitalization project began in the 1960s with the Junior League of Galveston County restoring two buildings.
This sparked a significant private investment as the Galveston Historical Foundation followed suit in 1973, creating a trust fund for dramatic restorations. The Strand today is an iconic National Historic Landmark District, boasting a wide variety of buildings and businesses that provide a glimpse into its storied past.
Strand Historic District Information
Address
The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
