The 1839: Where Tradition Meets Insight

Sea turtles have become Galveston icons—from painted sculptures on sidewalks to real-life hatchlings emerging under moonlight. But beyond the art and admiration lies a fragile fight for survival, one that calls on all of us to protect the coast they depend on.

In Part 1 of our exclusive six-part series, The 1839 founder David Landriault sits down with Mayor Craig Brown for an unfiltered conversation about Galveston’s next decade. From bold economic growth and cultural diversity to the harsh realities of flooding and infrastructure costs, Mayor Brown offers both hope and hard truths. This is not just a plan—it’s a call to action for every resident who believes in Galveston’s future.

This isn’t a postcard. It’s just a personal take on a place I’ve spent my life coming back to.

Galveston is complicated, beautiful, stubborn, and full of soul. In this piece, I’m sharing a few of the reasons why my wife Christy and I believe in this island—and why we built The 1839 to tell its stories the way they deserve to be told.

Written By: David Landriault, Co-Founder of 1839

There’s a rhythm to life on Galveston Island. If you live here long enough, you can feel it.

Once you’re in sync, everything changes. In The Rhythm of the Island, I reflect on how embracing this unique flow has helped me—and the business owners I work with—not just survive the off-season, but thrive in it.

Written By: Teresa Wagonseller, CPA, Fractional CFO, and proud member of The 39ers.