One day, as I was sitting at home tracking Hurricane Irene, it occurred to me that my fascination with hurricanes might be a fitting

topic for my National History Day project. As I was delving into information about life-impacting hurricanes on the National Weather Service website, I found the deadliest natural disaster in United States history, The Galveston Hurricane of 1900. I could see, in the wake of the calamitous storm, this years theme of Revolution, Reaction, and Reform reflected in the incredible determination of the people of Galveston. They not only survived, but brought about staggering reforms to their entire island, with implications that inspired the nation as well. In order to gain a better understanding of this topic, I searched through library sources, internet websites, and video specials. In looking at the historical context, I found that Galveston was one of the most prominent cities in the United States. I discovered facts of the storm itself, and statistics of the death toll and damage to the city. Both local and country-wide reactions were gained with the above sources along with the online Rosenberg Library collection. Although the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 has no remaining survivors, I was still able to find many first-hand accounts derived from letters and diaries available on this site. In addition to the above sources, I conducted phone interviews with the National Weather Service and the Galveston Historical Foundation, which helped me gain an appreciation of the incredible reforms that occurred in this city and beyond. I chose to build a website for this project to adequately show this important theme using a variety of graphics. I enjoy working on the computer, and my brother created a website for National History Day two years ago which intrigued me. I chose all of my videos because they each gave thorough historical context and the unique information that each one contained supported my thesis statement. I made each page the way I did because I wanted it to feel like a story. That is why I tried to make each page flow. Out of deep despair and sheer horror, some citizens left while others stayed in hopes that this city could once again reach its former glory. Island-wide reforms included the construction of a new protective seawall, raising the entire island, and constructing a new Causeway. The Galveston government, once corrupt, was inspired by the efficiency of the Relief Committee, and formed the nations first commission-based government. Input into government affairs from leading civic women led to advances in the Texas Womens Suffrage Movement. Reforms also included accepting international weather data, which was forbidden in 1900. Even though these reforms helped the city revive, it never achieved its former glory. Oil was discovered in Houston, and with its more protected harbor, it overcame as the premier city in Texas. Galveston today remains a charming resort town, with visitors attracted to its natural beauty and influential tale reflected throughout its Historic District. Theirs is a story of triumph over tragedy, of cooperation over personal pain, and of inspiring reforms in a city and a nation.