South-east of Houston, on a narrow island in the Gulf of Mexico that is linked with the mainland by a highway, is Galveston, which in 1836 was briefly capital of the Republic of Texas. During the 19th c. Galveston was the largest and wealthiest town in Texas, and its earlier splendour is still Historic buildings recalled by a number of handsome
mansions. Examples of such Victorian buildings are Ashton Villa (24th St. and Broadway), Bishop's Palace (1402 Broadway) and the Grand Opera House of 1894 (2020 Post Office). The well restored warehouse district known as the Strand (between Strand and Mechanic Sts.) still preserves the original facades, now concealing restaurants and shops. One of Galveston's finest parks is Moody Gardens, whose particular attraction is a large glass pyramid for tropical plants. The 32 mi. long beach on Galveston Island has made the city a favourite holiday resort.
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