Hurricane Shutters in Historic Galveston, Texas

Galveston is a city located on Galveston Island, about 50 miles south of Houston. The city has 32 miles of beaches on the sparkling Gulf of Mexico and has an economy based primarily on tourism.

Galveston is an old city and is steeped in history. There are six historic districts and more than 60 buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Strand National Historic District is a five-block area subsisting primarily of Victorian-era buildings that now function as restaurants, antique shops, historical exhibits, and art galleries. Known locally as the ‘Strand’, the area is a major tourist attraction, with most of the island’s shopping and entertainment found there.

In 1900, the island was hit by a devastating hurricane, and the storm remains the deadliest natural disaster in US history. Even though Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, this storm was even more deadly. It is estimated that between six and eight thousand people died during and after the storm. The city later built a levee ten miles long and seventeen feet high to protect the city. The city also raised its elevation to protect it from flooding.

Hurricanes are still a very real threat there, despite the boardwalk and high elevation. The bay’s shoreline is still often in danger from storm surge during tropical storms and hurricanes. Galveston is a beautiful city to live in or vacation home in, and with a little storm preparation, your home can be protected from the storm.

Retrofitting your home with hurricane shutters provides maximum protection from the storms that often hit Galveston during hurricane season. Even if you’re worried about matching hurricane shutters to your vintage home, you can add a few that won’t ruin the historical accuracy of your home. Colonial shutters are very much from that period and can give your home an older look while protecting your home at the same time.

If you have a home in Galveston that was built more recently than the Victorian era, there are many other types of hurricane shutters to choose from. Accordion blinds, roller blinds or Bahama blinds protect your home and each has its own charm. They come in a wide range of styles, sizes, and colors. All shutters are impact missile tested and made to withstand winds of over 150 miles per hour. Bahamian shutters are a favorite on the island as they also provide the added benefit of shade and protection from the sun. They allow the entrance of light and air and eliminate the need for blinds.