- Title: Galveston Bay Texas, SHOWING PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT OF GALVESTON CHANNEL FROM SURVEY MADE UNDER THE DIRECTION CAPTAIN C.S. RICHE, CORPS OF ENG'RS, US ARMY WITH 56th congress 2d Session, HD 264 | EXAMINATION AND SURVEY OF GALVESTON BAY, TEXAS...
- Author: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Date: 1900
- Condition: See Description
- Inches: 23 3/4 x 19 1/2 [Paper]
- Centimeters: 60.32 x 49.53 [Paper]
- Product ID: 308475
Galveston Takes a Small Step Toward the Busiest Port in the South
This map was created as part of a detailed survey and engineering assessment led by Captain C.S. Riche and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Its purpose was to illustrate proposed improvements to the Galveston Channel, including plans for widening, deepening, and enhancing navigation routes in Galveston Bay. The map provided a comprehensive depiction of the bay, the San Jacinto River, and the surrounding areas, showing both existing conditions and the proposed engineering works.
This 1900 map is significant because it documents the early federal efforts to improve maritime infrastructure in the Galveston area. The survey and the proposed improvements shown on the map laid the foundation for later expansions and deepening of the channel, which would become essential for the region's maritime commerce. The map provides a comprehensive depiction of Galveston Bay and the San Jacinto River, Today, the map remains an important artifact for understanding the development of Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel.
The first time the Galveston Channel was widened by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was between 1877 and 1882, when they improved the channel to a depth of 14.5 feet across Galveston Bay, through Redfish Bar, and up to the mouth of the San Jacinto River. This initial widening marked the beginning of federal efforts to enhance the channel for better navigation. Since then, the channel has undergone several additional widening and deepening projects, with major expansions occurring in the early 1900s, 1925, 1935, and in later years to accommodate larger ships and increased maritime traffic.
Background on Creator
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a major branch of the United States Army responsible for both military engineering and a wide range of civil works projects. Established on June 16, 1775, just days after the formation of the Army itself, the Corps has played a pivotal role in American history, from building early fortifications during the Revolutionary War to shaping the nation’s infrastructure today.
USACE is unique among military organizations in that it is deeply involved in both military and civilian projects. Its military engineers—known as combat engineers or sappers—are responsible for breaching obstacles, constructing bridges and defensive positions, conducting route clearance, and supporting combat operations. The Corps also manages the design and construction of military facilities for the Army, Air Force, and other federal agencies, both in the U.S. and abroad.