
A good history of Galveston floods, plus pix
As Rita heads toward Texas,
[link|http://www.gthcenter.org/exhibits/storms/|http://www.gthcenter.../exhibits/storms/]
"In recovering from this cataclysm, Galveston transformed itself through political and technological changes. It pioneered the commission form of local government in 1901, undertook the construction of the initial portion of the Seawall (1902-04), raised the city's grade (1904-10), and opened the new causeway (1912). These improvements meant that Galveston was much better prepared to cope with an even more severe hurricane in August 1915."
...raised the city's grade...10 feet!
Lots of great photos of the seawall and other things.