Nature
Give the Bat a Break
A big colony can clear 250 tons of insects before sunrise — roughly two blue whales’ worth of bugs. Every summer evening, a Mexican free-tailed…
Independent · Born on the island · Looking forward
Galveston News, Culture and Civic Reporting
From the working waterfront to the seawall, we tell the stories of the people building, protecting and reimagining this island.
A city shaped by water—and by the people who stay.
Our Legacy & Vision
The 1839 is more than a news magazine; it is a tribute to Galveston's enduring spirit. Inspired by the island's remarkable cast of characters, we tell stories that connect readers to the heart of this community.
Founded on integrity and depth, The 1839 captures Galveston's coastal character and dynamic culture. Our mission is to inform, inspire and engage through stories that matter.
How We Are Different
We go beyond the headlines to cover stories that are often overlooked—from the joyful events that bring people together to the difficult decisions shaping island life.
We do not stop at reporting what happened. We listen, add context and create room for useful conversation about what comes next. Great local journalism should inform, inspire and involve.
Join Our Newsletter
Get new stories, podcasts and island conversations delivered to your inbox.
The island at work
Port city. Beach town. Neighborhood.
Galveston has always been more than one thing. We cover the friction—and the possibility—where those identities meet.
From across the island
Latest Stories
Development
Discovery Sands
Exclusive Editorial with The 1839 The biggest land decision in a generation was scheduled to reach the council June 25. The fight had been…
Culture
Freedom Came Here First: Galveston and the Birth of Juneteenth
Editorial by David Landriault Freedom Came Here First: Galveston and the Birth of Juneteenth The word of freedom reached the whole of Texas…
Civics
The Legacy of Craig Brown
Exclusive Interview with The 1839 The Legacy of Craig Brown Archive note (updated July 12, 2026): This final interview was conducted on Craig…
Civics
And Galveston Said Yes
And Galveston Said Yes Mayor Craig Brown Interview: Part 5 of 6 Archive note (updated July 12, 2026): This story was published during the May…
Civics
The Culture He Built
The Culture He Built Mayor Craig Brown Interview: Part 4 of 6 Archive note (updated July 12, 2026): This interview was conducted during Craig…
Development
Exclusive: Mayor Brown, Port Documents Confirm Federal Study of Pelican Island "Land Bridge" Under Consideration
Editorial by David Landriault Exclusive: Mayor Brown, Port Documents Confirm Federal Study of Pelican Island “Land Bridge” Under Consideration…
Economics
Galveston's Housing Market Didn't Slow in 2025 — It Split
Editorial by David Landriault A Tale of Two Galvestons: What the 2025 Housing Numbers Really Show Luxury surged. Condos slipped. And the middle…
Development
Breaking News: Davie Defense Secures U.S. Coast Guard Arctic Cutter Contract
Editorial by David Landriault Davie Defense Secures U.S. Coast Guard Arctic Cutter Contract Federal Contract. Local Impact. Davie Defense’s…
Mark your calendar
What’s Happening
Upcoming listings and a few recent events from across Galveston.
Island event
Day of the Dead Half Marathon
This Día de los Muertos-themed race at Stewart Beach, hosted by Bigfoot Running Company, includes a half marathon,…
Island event
1877 ELISSA Welcome Home Escort on Seagull II
Ride along on the Seagull II tour boat to greet the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA as she sails back into Galveston Harbor,…
Island event
3rd Annual Galveston Island Ghost Coast Festival
A weekend built around Galveston's spooky reputation: a Friday pub crawl through Historic Downtown, a Saturday of…
Island event
Galveston Island Wine Festival
Three days of food-and-wine programming at Moody Gardens—a seafood tasting paired with wine on Friday, a Saturday…
Island event
2nd Annual Galveston Pirate Festival
A full week of pirate-themed programming across the island builds up to Saturday's main event—expect a harbor boat…
Island event
Galveston Sandcastle Festival
Dozens of teams race the clock to build elaborate sculptures on East Beach for the AIA-judged competition, with a…
The 1839 Podcasts
Hear Galveston Like Never Before
Honest conversations about politics, service, stewardship and the soul of the island.
Help us share the untold stories
What should each desk cover next?
Choose a subject and point us toward the people, questions and places that deserve closer attention.
CivicsPublic decisions, local leadership and the choices shaping Galveston's future.Take the survey →DevelopmentHousing, infrastructure, preservation and responsible growth across the island.Take the survey →EconomicsThe businesses, industries and working people powering Galveston's economy.Take the survey →CultureThe artists, traditions, histories and communities that give Galveston its character.Take the survey →EducationSchools, knowledge, research and the people expanding opportunity.Take the survey →LifestyleHow islanders live, gather, eat and make a home here.Take the survey →TechnologyNew tools and systems changing how Galveston works.Take the survey →NatureThe water, wildlife and coastal systems that define island life.Take the survey →Have input for all sections?Share one idea across the whole publication.Open the complete survey →
An evolving story of community, resilience and possibility.
Our Vision for Galveston
From salt-air mornings on the Seawall to the entrepreneurial spark in downtown corridors, Galveston is where legacy and innovation meet. Our work honors the heritage of this coast, brings clarity to issues that matter and lifts voices in a way that invites action—not only observation.
The Voices Behind the Untold Stories
Meet the 39ers—the neighbors, leaders and storytellers helping us understand Galveston more deeply.
Meet the 39ersEngage with Us Online
Join The 1839 Facebook Forum and take part in the conversation.
Visit the Facebook Forum →