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On September 8, 1900, the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history occured here on Galveston Island. A hurricane slammed ashore, and caused a storm surge that put the entire island underneath the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Along with the incredible devistation and destruction caused by the ferocious wind, rain, and flooding, over 8,000 people lost their lives. Over 90 of them were children and sisters at St. Mary´s orphanage, which was completely leveled as a result of the storm. The hurricane changed the city forever, which had been the largest city in Texas. In the years to come, a seawall was built to protect the city, and the entire city itself was raised over 6 feet with sand being pumped in under all buildings and residences. 100 years later, in the year 2000, a memorial was dedicated on the seawall in rememberance to what had occured here a century ago, and the thousands of lives that were lost. After hearing the story of the dramatic events that went on here, seeing the memorial can be a sobering moment to say the least.
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