Galveston found itself at the center of a conflicted struggle thanks to the geographic landscape that stimulated settlement of the island. A gap between the southern tip of Bolivar Peninsula and the northern tip of the island leads into what is believed to be one of the finest natural harbors on the entire Gulf of Mexico, Galveston Bay.2 Using to the natural advantages of this harbor, the city of Galveston then established a railroad that would be used to transport its goods, and in the end would help the city grow to be the second-largest city in Texas.3 During the period from 1858-1860, the commercial traffic in a

Lincoln insisted that the war was not about slavery or black rights, but was a war to preserve the Union. But indeed by the time the war had reached the Texas gulf in 1862, the war had been under way for almost one year exactly. Due to the geography of were Texas lay, Union commanders could not do much without sufficient land forces, so naval activities had to be adequate. As a first, Galveston, the major port of the state, had to be seized and occupied. While it was true at the time that there were a number of warships on duty off the Texas coast, a much larger force would be needed. On November fourth, the Union led a powerful squadron, plus a supply train, to Galveston and took station off the mouth of Galveston Channel. Studying the situation before entering the bay, Commodore William B. Renshaw of the Union discovered that the channel was well armed by enemy batteries. After a few warning shots, Renshaw saw a small Confederate vessel sailing his way, believing it was talk about surrender, the confederates actually asked to move their women and children further inland to be safe. As a result, the town was captured by the Union, but reinforcements were needed. The Union’s stay was not welcomed and did not last but a few months. In January of 1863, Major John Bankhead Magruder of the Confederacy launched a surprise attack to collect what had been taken from them.9

(2002 Oct 12).

Davis, Burke, The Price in Blood, Casualties in the Civil War, May, 2000

(2002 Oct 11).

Wooster, Ralph A., Texas and Texans in the Civil War, Austin, Tx: Eakin Press, 1995.

Some topics in this essay:
Civil War, Emancipation Proclamation, Charleston8 Civil, Confederates Magruder’s, Texas Calvary, Island City, Texas Galvestonians, Unsuccessful Union, Bay2 Using, Secretary Welles, civil war, war galveston, 2002 oct, 2000 2002 oct, elected president, naval officer, president united, abraham lincoln, oct 12, 2000 2002, 2002 oct 12, lincoln elected president, union naval officer, union naval,