Lifestyle
The Woman Who Wouldn't Sell Phở 20
One Mardi Gras, Anh drove four hours through parade traffic to wash dishes in a dress and high heels. That shift explains why a restaurant most of the island drives past is still here.
Founder, publisher and editor
David Landriault
David Landriault is a founder, publisher and editor of The 1839. His work focuses on Galveston's public life, development, culture and the people shaping the island.
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34 stories
Civics
Downtown Is Having a Moment. It Has Had Them Before.
Downtown Galveston is entering a rare decision window. Its future depends on public, private and civic work adding up to one place.
Development
Discovery Sands
Galveston City Council approved the Discovery Sands PUD request 4–3. This pre-vote analysis preserves the tradeoffs that shaped the decision; final enacted conditions remain pending the official City…
Culture
Freedom Came Here First: Galveston and the Birth of Juneteenth
The word of freedom reached the whole of Texas through this port, on these streets, in this town. On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger stepped ashore in Galveston and changed the course…
Culture
Dzago Chatsama With The 1839
The Reward, Not The Struggle Why we told Dzago’s story “You can give away everything you have and somehow come back with more.” ~David Landriault Dzago arrived in Galveston with a CD, a handwritten note…
Civics
The Legacy of Craig Brown
Archive note (updated July 12, 2026): This final interview was conducted on Craig Brown's last day in office. References to Mayor Brown below preserve the interview-time context. “He never once gave…
Civics
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 2026 transition after Galveston's election. Craig Brown subsequently left office…
Civics
The Culture He Built
Mayor Craig Brown Interview: Part 4 of 6 Archive note (updated July 12, 2026): This interview was conducted during Craig Brown's final months as mayor. He left office in May 2026; role references and…
Development
Exclusive: Mayor Brown, Port Documents Confirm Federal Study of Pelican Island "Land Bridge" Under Consideration
Exclusive: Mayor Brown, Port Documents Confirm Federal Study of Pelican Island “Land Bridge” Under Consideration Local leaders urge evaluation of alternative as Galveston weighs infrastructure decision…
Economics
Galveston's Housing Market Didn't Slow in 2025 — It Split
A Tale of Two Galvestons: What the 2025 Housing Numbers Really Show Luxury surged. Condos slipped. And the middle of the island felt the squeeze. In this data-driven market recap provided by Sand ‘n Sea…
Development
Breaking News: Davie Defense Secures U.S. Coast Guard Arctic Cutter Contract
Davie Defense Secures U.S. Coast Guard Arctic Cutter Contract Federal Contract. Local Impact. Davie Defense’s planned expansion on the Texas Gulf Coast now carries a defined federal mission. The company…
Development
Davie Defense Brings 2,400 Jobs to Galveston
$21.8M grant to Davie Defense for Galveston Shipbuilding Brings 2,400 Jobs and $730 Million Investment to the Texas Gulf Coast One of the largest industrial investments in recent Galveston history is now…
Development
Galveston's Big West-End Bet
Galveston Greenlights $540 Million Development on the West End A half-billion-dollar project poised to reshape the Seawall—and redefine Galveston’s future. After years of speculation, debate, revisions…
Technology
The Island Switches On: How Galveston's Quiet Tech Revolution Can Make Daily Life Faster, Safer, and Smarter
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…
Podcasts
David Squared: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered – Episode 2
David Squared Podcast - Episode 2 David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered Politics gets personal in Episode 2 of David² as David Landriault and David Finklea break down how revenue caps, limits, and…
Podcasts
Harry & Lisa Blair – Heart of Galveston – Episode 1
Harry and Lisa Blair: Inside The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe Every day on 14th Street, the doors of The Sunflower Bakery & Café swing open to a familiar rhythm—regulars finding their favorite table, visitors…
Civics
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…
Economics
Fortune-500 finance, built for Galveston
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…
Economics
A Pelican Island "Land Bridge" Could Be Galveston's Breakthrough Moment
A Pelican Island “Land Bridge” Could Be Galveston’s Breakthrough Moment An inspiring case for pairing economic growth with smarter flood protection. When a barge strike closed the Seawolf Parkway bridge…
Podcasts
Jeff Antonelli – Heart of Galveston: 2
Hearts of Galveston: Episode 2 Jeff Antonelli on Service, Stewardship and the Soul of Galveston Most islanders know Jeff Antonelli as the man behind Shrimp ‘N Stuff . Fewer know his decades of civic…
Civics
Galveston's Rainbow Crosswalk – Something That Lasts for Tom Schwenk.
The Crosswalk’s True Story The Rainbow Didn’t Fall to Politics — It Gave Way to Permanence. Let’s Build Something That Lasts. “Removing the rainbow crosswalk should not be viewed as erasing or…
Civics
U.S.–Finland Icebreaker Pact Positions Galveston for Growth
U.S.–Finland Icebreaker Pact Positions Galveston to Build a New Fleet—And a New Industry “This isn’t just shipbuilding—it’s nation-building. And Galveston is now on the map.” A White House agreement to…
Civics
Journalism with Courage, Integrity, and Pride
Editorial by David Landriault “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…
Civics
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…
Civics
When 28.57% is a Majority: Galveston's No-New-Revenue Risk
Galveston no-new-revenue tax rate Why Galveston Can’t Afford This “No-New-Revenue” Rate In my interview with Mayor Craig Brown yesterday he warned that the no-new-revenue rate isn’t a quick fix—it’s a…
Lifestyle
Best Brunch in Galveston: Inside the Sunflower Bakery & Café
Inside the Sunflower Bakery & Café, where family, flavor and community come first. The family-owned café has been a Galveston brunch heartbeat for more than two decades.
Civics
Mayor Craig Brown Part 3 of 6: The Future in Motion: Galveston's Infrastructure and Livability
Mayor Craig Brown discusses traffic, flyovers, parks, greenways and a port that can serve both business and the community as Galveston grows.
Civics
Mayor Craig Brown Part 2 of 6: Managing Success: Galveston's Economy, Tourism, and the Legacy of Unity
Mayor Craig Brown reflects on sustainable tourism, small-business growth, unity and the challenge of managing Galveston's success without losing its character.
Civics
Brian Maxwell: Leading Galveston Into the Next Decade
City Manager. Problem Solver. Dad Joke Enthusiast. Brian Maxwell: Leading Galveston Into the Next Decade When you think about the person steering Galveston’s day-to-day operations and planning for its…
Podcasts
David Squared: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered – Episode 1
David Squared Podcast - Episode 1 David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered A podcast hosted by David Landriault and David Finklea—two longtime civics voices with deep roots in Galveston’s business…
Economics
Galveston's Shot at Maritime Greatness Needs More Than Applause—It Needs Incentives
Galveston’s Shot at Maritime Greatness Needs More Than Applause—It Needs Incentives Exclusive Quote from Josh Owens of the GEDP ‘“Davie is announcing their first project milestone in the acquisition of…
Civics
Galveston County Voters Approve $110M for Roads and Flood Control — But Reject Government Facility Upgrades
Galveston County voters approved $110 million for road and flood control projects but rejected a $75.8 million proposal for government facility upgrades, highlighting a preference for essential…
Civics
Mayor Craig Brown Part 1 of 6: Galveston 2035: Foundations, Futures, and Fight for Resilience: A Candid Interview with Mayor Craig Brown
Galveston 2035: Foundations, Futures, and Fight for Resilience: A Candid Interview with Mayor Craig Brown Mayor Craig Brown Interview: Part 1 of 6 Archive note (updated July 12, 2026): This interview was…
Civics
Why I Believe in Galveston: A "Realistic" Love Letter to the Island
Why I Believe in Galveston: A “Realistic” Love Letter to the Island Discover the Untold Stories Behind Iconic Moments This isn’t a postcard. It’s not polished or perfect. It’s just an honest reflection…