Port of Galveston immigration “Galveston Movement”. In addition, many have often described Galveston as The Ellis Island of the West” or a “Second Ellis Island.”(Silent Treatment, 65) However, immigrants from all over the world entered the United States through the Galveston immigration station, including those from Central and South America, Asia, and Europe. The flow of immigrants into the area also helped tourism to Galveston and thus, helped keep the city vibrant. Galveston was one of the largest cities in Texas until the hurricane of 1900 that devastated the city. The immigration station located in Galveston was built on Pelican Island. “When the federal
Port of Galveston Galveston Wharf Company took control of the port in 1869. They built a grain elevator in 1875, leading Galveston to become a major grain exporter over the next few decades. By 1878, the port of Galveston was the nation's 3rd largest cotton exporter; they fell to 5th by 1882. Galveston's wealth and great esteem was due in large part to the port's activity. As other areas of the United States began to transition to a more industrial economy, Galveston was unable to compete. The port continued to primarily export agricultural goods. Local leaders often blamed the lack of industrial goods