GALVESTON, Texas – Many conversations surrounding the origin of Pelican Island have happened since an oil-carrying barge strike damaged their main bridge on Wednesday.
According to officials, investigations continued Thursday morning on the bridge after the barge, which was carrying 30,000 barrels of vacuum gas oil, hit the causeway and spilled oil into Galveston Bay.
Recommended Videos
So, just where is Pelican Island located, what happens on the Island, and who owns the lands in that area?
Pelican Island reportedly started as a narrow windswept sand dune.
According to Visit Galveston, during the Civil War, the island was home to a small fort and later housed an immigration station, shipyard, and fish and oyster business.
In 1965, Galveston businessman, George Mitchell, purchased a large piece of land and donated it to Texas A&M University.
Today, the website boasts that it’s a fantastic place to experience more of the natural beauty of Galveston and learn about some interesting US, Texas, and island history.
About George P. Mitchell
According to the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation website, George was known as the ‘father of fracking’, and had a hand in creating a hydraulic fracking system, intended to extract natural oils out of shale rock.
Not only was he known for his efforts in the oil industry, but he also donated the land for Texas A&M University at Galveston, which is near the bridge on Pelican Island.
The website also said that over the years, George spent tens of millions of dollars rebuilding his hometown of Galveston, resurrecting a long-dormant annual Mardi Gras celebration and singlehandedly providing money to restore the city’s historic downtown Strand District.
“To say he was a great man with foresight and generosity isn’t enough,” Adm. Robert Smith III, the school’s former president, said. “His contributions to this university literally made this institution possible.”
“His ambition and success have transformed our region,” Former Houston mayor Annise Parker said. “He was a visionary, and showed his love for Houston through his work and hometown pride.”
After his death in 2013, the Mitchell family released a statement, saying in part, “He had the right mix of vision, optimism and tenacity, and a love for his fellow man.”