Free State of Galveston syndicate. The "Free State" economy was not confined simply to the island but extended through much of Galveston County. Throughout the county there were substantial casino operations developed by the Fertitta, Salvato and Maceo families, including the casino districts in Kemah (featuring the Chili Bowl and White House casinos among others) and Dickinson (featuring the Silver Moon and the Dickinson Social Club). Houstonians often humorously referred to the Galveston County line as the "Maceo-Dickinson line" (a pun referring to the Mason-Dixon line). The vice activities on the island and in the county were not unique in Texas. San Antonio had
Port Bolivar, Texas between Port Bolivar and Galveston. The Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry can accommodate vehicles as heavy as 80,000 pounds, and as long as 65 feet, as high as 13.5 feet and as wide as 8.5 feet. The ferry was closed because of Hurricane Ike but re-opened on November 11, 2008. Port Bolivar residents are zoned to Galveston Independent School District schools. Residents attend Crenshaw Elementary and Middle School for grades Pre-K3 through 8 on the peninsula. Residents attend Ball High School in Galveston. The current Crenshaw building, in Crystal Beach, opened in 2005. The former Crenshaw campus was in Port Bolivar. Galveston