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The 1839 shines a light on Galveston’s past, present, and future. We blend thoughtful reporting on important local issues with cultural stories that help people feel the city’s heartbeat. Rooted in honesty and inclusion, we bring together diverse experts and encourage open dialogue. Our mission is to keep Galveston’s spirit alive and show you the news that goes beyond superficial headlines.

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Our Legacy & Vision

The 1839 is more than just a news magazine; it’s a tribute to Galveston’s enduring spirit. Inspired by the island’s incredible cast of characters, we deliver the stories that connect our readers to the heart of this community.

Founded on the principles of integrity and depth, The 1839 captures the essence of Galveston’s coastal charm and dynamic culture. Our mission is to inform, inspire, and engage through stories that matter.

TOP STORIES

Galveston Greenlights $540 Million Development on the West End

Editorial by David Landriault, Co-Founder of The 1839

Galveston’s west end is set for transformation with Sachs on the Seawall—a $540 million mixed-use development blending hotel, housing & retail. - The 1839

December 9, 2025

A half-billion-dollar project poised to reshape the Seawall—and redefine Galveston’s future.

After years of speculation, debate, revisions, and public scrutiny, Galveston City Council has officially greenlit Sachs on the Seawall, a $540 million mixed-use development that will anchor the west end with a Renaissance hotel, residential towers, retail, and public green space. More than a project, it marks a turning point—one that signals how Galveston intends to grow, compete, and define its identity in the decades ahead.

The Island Switches On: How Galveston’s Quiet Tech Revolution Can Make Daily Life Faster, Safer, and Smarter

Editorial by David Landriault, Co-Founder of The 1839

Galveston Technology

November 19, 2025

A Pelican Island “Land Bridge” Could Be Galveston’s Breakthrough Moment

Editorial by David Landriault, Co-Founder of The 1839

Pelican Island land-bridge alignment connecting Galveston’s port and Texas A&M–Galveston with potential ring-barrier extensions.

October 24, 2025

10 People Quietly Shaping Galveston’s Future

As The 1839 steps onto the scene, one of the most important questions we can ask is simple: who is already doing the work of building the Galveston we want to live in ten years from now? This feature is our first attempt to answer that honestly. From classrooms to...

Galveston’s Big West-End Bet

A half-billion-dollar project poised to reshape the Seawall—and redefine Galveston’s future. After years of speculation, debate, revisions, and public scrutiny, Galveston City Council has officially greenlit Sachs on the Seawall, a $540 million mixed-use development...

The Island Switches On: How Galveston’s Quiet Tech Revolution Can Make Daily Life Faster, Safer, and Smarter

Galveston is learning to think ahead — and the tech making it happen is already beneath our feet. Galveston is known for its waves, wind, and wide-open horizon — not for sensors, signal grids, or AI-powered robotics. But while most people watch the sunrise over the...

David Squared: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered – Episode 2

Politics gets personal in Episode 2 of David² as David Landriault and David Greelish break down how revenue caps, limits, and policy decisions are shaping day-to-day life in Galveston. Real conversation. Real stakes.In each conversation, co‑hosts David Landriault and...

Harry & Lisa Blair – Heart of Galveston – Episode 1

Every day on 14th Street, the doors of The Sunflower Bakery & Café swing open to a familiar rhythm—regulars finding their favorite table, visitors discovering the brunch spot locals swear by, and the Blairs quietly moving through it all with warmth and intention....

Another Win for Galveston Shipbuilding

Galveston Isn't waiting for the Future - We're Building It. Galveston just notched two of the most significant maritime wins in the nation: the Coast Guard’s next-generation icebreaker program and the Navy’s Flight III destroyer modules. What began as a hopeful spark...

Fortune‑500 finance, built for Galveston

“You don’t need a corporate budget to think like a CFO.” - Teresa Wagonseller From corporate boardrooms to coastal main streets, Teresa Wagonseller has seen what makes businesses thrive—and what makes them stall. In this exclusive interview with The 1839, she distills...

Galveston Firehouse Bond Endorsement

We endorse a YES vote on the $10 million Fire Station No. 2 bond. It’s the first brick in a larger promise: protect the people who protect us—and do better than we did this budget season.Galveston’s 1960s-built Fire Station No. 2 can’t meet today’s emergency needs—too...

A Pelican Island “Land Bridge” Could Be Galveston’s Breakthrough Moment

After a barge strike exposed Galveston’s vulnerability, a bold idea is back: a Pelican Island land bridge that could replace the Seawolf Parkway span, add rail access, and double as storm-surge protection.

A Bold Bet: Galveston’s $540 Million Leap Forward

Galveston is preparing for one of its biggest private investments in decades. Sachs on the Seawall—a $540 million mixed-use project by Royal Crown Enterprise—will bring a Marriott Renaissance hotel, condos, apartments (including workforce housing), and retail to the...

Jeff Antonelli – Heart of Galveston: 2

Most islanders know Jeff Antonelli as the man behind Shrimp N Stuff. Fewer know his decades of civic service—on the Planning Commission, with the early Galveston County Food Bank, and in countless acts of quiet generosity. In this 38-minute conversation with The 1839, Jeff shares what drives him: family legacy, community gratitude, and a belief that Galveston’s future depends on balance—between growth and preservation, business and responsibility.

Galveston’s Rainbow Crosswalk – Something That Lasts for Tom Schwenk.

“Removing the rainbow crosswalk should not be viewed as erasing or disrespecting the LGBTQ+ community. Quite the opposite—it offers a chance to replace a fading symbol with something truly lasting.” — Trey Click Anger found the rainbow first. Truth came later. The...

U.S.–Finland Icebreaker Pact Positions Galveston for Growth

“This isn’t just shipbuilding—it’s nation-building. And Galveston is now on the map.” A White House agreement to procure 11 U.S. Coast Guard Arctic Security Cutters—four built in Finland and seven in the United States—puts Galveston on the map as a polar‑shipbuilding...

Journalism with Courage, Integrity, and Pride

“It is not enough to report on Galveston. We must champion it. We must demand the kind of journalism that strengthens people rather than pacifies them.” Journalism has power—or it has nothing at all. For David Landriault, Founder of The 1839, the calling is not to sit...

Galveston Faces a Breaking Point After Council Minority Exerts Control in Tax Vote Deadlock

“Three votes held Galveston’s future hostage, leaving the majority—and the city—powerless.” Galveston’s tax vote deadlock wasn’t about $6 a month—it was about whether the city would protect its reserves, support its employees, and prepare for future storms. Instead,...

Discover the Latest Episode

Hear Galveston Like Never Before

The 1839 is more than articles—we’re bringing Galveston’s voices directly to you. Our podcasts feature in-depth conversations with community leaders, business owners, and visionaries who are shaping the island’s future. Whether it’s big-picture issues or personal stories, these are the conversations that matter.

NEW from David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered

Uncovering the 3.5 % Revenue Cap in Galveston

Brian Maxwell: Leading Galveston Into the Next Decade

David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered: Episode 2

David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered on The1839.com
David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered on The1839.com
David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered: Episode 2
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NEW from Hearts of Galveston

Jeff Antonelli on Service, Stewardship and the Soul of Galveston

Jeff Antonelli on Service and Stewardship with the Heart of Galveston | The 1839

Hearts of Galveston Jeff Antonelli

Hearts of Galveston: from The 1839
Hearts of Galveston: from The 1839
Hearts of Galveston Jeff Antonelli
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The Voices Behind the Untold Stories

These community changemakers help tell the untold stories of Galveston. As locals, leaders, and visionaries, they’re shaping the island’s future while sharing their unique perspectives with us.

Our Vision for Galveston

At The 1839, we believe Galveston is more than an island—it’s an evolving story of community, resilience, and possibility. From the salt-air mornings on the Seawall to the entrepreneurial spark in its downtown corridors, we see a place where legacy and innovation meet. Our mission is to honor the heritage of this remarkable coast, bring clarity to the issues that matter, and uplift every voice in a way that invites action—not just observation.

In our latest article “Journalism with Courage, Integrity, and Pride”, we outline how we’re bringing that vision to life—through fearless reporting, a commitment to truth, and journalism that builds community rather than divides it.

The 1839: Journalism with Courage, Integrity, and Pride by David Landriault (Editor in Chief and CEO of The 1839)

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