18 Years Later: Galveston Reflects on Hurricane Ike's Devastation
Eighteen years after Hurricane Ike made landfall in Galveston, Texas, the storm's impact remains a vivid memory for residents. The Category 2 hurricane struck in the early hours of September 13, 2008, bringing a storm surge of up to 17 feet across the Bolivar Peninsula. The storm caused extensive damage, destroying over 24,000 structures in Galveston County and claiming 100 lives across the United States. Memorials, such as waterline markers and tree sculptures, serve as reminders of the storm's devastation. Will Wright, interim executive director of the Galveston Historical Foundation, recalls the harrowing experience of evacuating and returning to find his home submerged. The storm has left a lasting mark on the island's landscape and its community, with many residents still reflecting on the event's profound impact.
