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In 1985, Veracruz and Galveston Island were connected by more than just the Gulf of Mexico. In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave a speech to promote a new people-to-people program. He believed strongly in grassroots diplomacy and people from different communities and cultures making connections.
Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "Two deeply held convictions unite us in common purpose. First is our belief in effective and responsive local government as a principal bulwark of freedom. Second is our faith in the great compromise of people to people and sister city affiliations in helping build the solid structure of world peace."
Galveston Island has four sister cities across the globe. Niigata, Japan. Stavanger, Norway. Veracruz, Mexico, and Machar Valle, Spain. In 1985, Veracruz and Galveston Island were connected by more than just the Gulf of Mexico. They became sister cities. Veracruz is Mexico's oldest, largest, and most historically significant port and Galveston's closest sister city.
First founded by the conquistador Hernan Cortes in 1519, Veracruz was relocated twice due to flooding and a lack of fresh water. It settled in its final location in 1599. The city is built on a sandy beach, only 50 feet above sea level. Veracruz has a population of over 500,000, nearly ten times larger than Galveston Island. The city draws beachgoers, history lovers, and cultural tourists with its indigenous influences, Spanish colonial architecture, and beautiful beaches. Veracruz is a mere 638 nautical miles away. The beach tourism industry, integral to both cities, has fostered a unique bond. In 2000, a delegation trip to Veracruz by the Galveston Island Beach Patrol led to a lifesaving collaboration and partnership.
The Galveston Island Beach Patrol noticed that Veracruz lifeguards needed help with training and lifesaving techniques. The result? The Galveston Island Beach Patrol assisted the lifeguard organization in building training programs for their lifeguard services. Once implemented, there was a significant reduction in Veracruz drowning deaths from around 35 per year to just 5 per year. In exchange, the Mexican lifeguards bring important cultural knowledge and perspective, enriching the relationship between the two cities.
The history between Galveston Island and Veracruz is interconnected in many ways. From the history of the exploration of North America and the Gulf of Mexico, to the modern day tourism and port industry, Veracruz, Mexico, one of Galveston Island's sister cities.
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Author
J.R. Shaw Creator & Host of Galveston Unscripted
J.R. Shaw is the creator and host of Galveston Unscripted Podcast & audio tour. Shaw recognizes that history is nuanced and learning it can be powerful. He's made it his mission to reduce the friction between true history and anyone who is willing to listen! J.R. Shaw focuses on telling the full story through podcasting and social media with the goal of making learning accurate history easy and entertaining for all who seek it.
J.R. grew up along the Texas Gulf Coast, where he learned to love talking with anyone about anything! He started Galveston Unscripted after he realized how much he loved talking to people about their stories related to Galveston Island and Texas History. "So much of our history is lost when we don't have the opportunity to hear from those who lived it or have second-hand knowledge."
