Discover Galveston's Stories

The 1839 shines a light on Galveston’s past, present, and future. We blend thoughtful reporting on important local issues with cultural stories that help people feel the city’s heartbeat. Rooted in honesty and inclusion, we bring together diverse experts and encourage open dialogue. Our mission is to keep Galveston’s spirit alive and show you the news that goes beyond superficial headlines.

Unveiling Coastal Narratives

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Our Legacy & Vision

The 1839 is more than just a news magazine; it’s a tribute to Galveston’s enduring spirit. Inspired by the island’s incredible cast of characters, we deliver the stories that connect our readers to the heart of this community.

Founded on the principles of integrity and depth, The 1839 captures the essence of Galveston’s coastal charm and dynamic culture. Our mission is to inform, inspire, and engage through stories that matter.

TOP STORIES

The Culture He Built

Editorial by David Landriault, Co-Founder of The 1839

Pelican Island Land Bridge Galveston Texas

March 30th, 2026

“The process is as important as the product.” ~ Mayor Craig Brown

In nearly six years, Craig Brown didn’t just change what Galveston builds. He changed how it builds together. A conversation about legacy, leadership, and what happens when the process matters as much as the product.

Exclusive: Mayor Brown, Port Documents Confirm Federal Study of Pelican Island “Land Bridge” Under Consideration

Editorial by David Landriault, Co-Founder of The 1839

Pelican Island Land Bridge Galveston Texas

March 5th, 2026

A Tale of Two Galvestons: What the 2025 Housing Numbers Really Show

Editorial by David Landriault, Co-Founder of The 1839

Galveston Housing 2025

February 13th, 2026

The Culture He Built

“The process is as important as the product." ~ Mayor Craig Brown In nearly six years, Craig Brown didn’t just change what Galveston builds. He changed how it builds together. A conversation about legacy, leadership, and what happens when the process matters as much...

Exclusive: Mayor Brown, Port Documents Confirm Federal Study of Pelican Island “Land Bridge” Under Consideration

Local leaders urge evaluation of alternative as Galveston weighs infrastructure decision tied to Gulf Coast shipbuilding and maritime expansion. A quiet but potentially landmark shift is underway in how Galveston thinks about its future. In an exclusive interview with...

Galveston’s Housing Market Didn’t Slow in 2025 — It Split

Luxury surged. Condos slipped. And the middle of the island felt the squeeze. In this data-driven market recap provided by Sand 'n Sea, The 1839 examines what really happened in Galveston residential real estate in 2025. While headline numbers show growth, the deeper...

Breaking News: Davie Defense Secures U.S. Coast Guard Arctic Cutter Contract

Federal Contract. Local Impact. Davie Defense’s planned expansion on the Texas Gulf Coast now carries a defined federal mission. The company has been awarded a U.S. Coast Guard contract to construct five Arctic Security Cutters, directly linking Galveston and Port...

Davie Defense Brings 2,400 Jobs to Galveston

One of the largest industrial investments in recent Galveston history is now underway. On February 11, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that Davie Defense Inc. will expand shipbuilding operations in Galveston and Port Arthur, launching a $730 million investment...

When the Business Stops Owning You

What Every Galveston Owner Should Know About Building Something That Lasts In Galveston, strong seasons and packed weekends don’t always translate into real stability for business owners. Teresa Wagonseller, CPA and founder of HigherUp CFO Services, breaks down a...

10 People Quietly Shaping Galveston’s Future

As The 1839 steps onto the scene, one of the most important questions we can ask is simple: who is already doing the work of building the Galveston we want to live in ten years from now? This feature is our first attempt to answer that honestly. From classrooms to...

Galveston’s Big West-End Bet

A half-billion-dollar project poised to reshape the Seawall—and redefine Galveston’s future. After years of speculation, debate, revisions, and public scrutiny, Galveston City Council has officially greenlit Sachs on the Seawall, a $540 million mixed-use development...

The Island Switches On: How Galveston’s Quiet Tech Revolution Can Make Daily Life Faster, Safer, and Smarter

Galveston is learning to think ahead — and the tech making it happen is already beneath our feet. Galveston is known for its waves, wind, and wide-open horizon — not for sensors, signal grids, or AI-powered robotics. But while most people watch the sunrise over the...

David Squared: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered – Episode 2

Politics gets personal in Episode 2 of David² as David Landriault and David Finklea break down how revenue caps, limits, and policy decisions are shaping day-to-day life in Galveston. Real conversation. Real stakes.In each conversation, co‑hosts David Landriault and...

Harry & Lisa Blair – Heart of Galveston – Episode 1

Every day on 14th Street, the doors of The Sunflower Bakery & Café swing open to a familiar rhythm—regulars finding their favorite table, visitors discovering the brunch spot locals swear by, and the Blairs quietly moving through it all with warmth and intention....

Another Win for Galveston Shipbuilding

Galveston Isn't waiting for the Future - We're Building It. Galveston just notched two of the most significant maritime wins in the nation: the Coast Guard’s next-generation icebreaker program and the Navy’s Flight III destroyer modules. What began as a hopeful spark...

Fortune‑500 finance, built for Galveston

“You don’t need a corporate budget to think like a CFO.” - Teresa Wagonseller From corporate boardrooms to coastal main streets, Teresa Wagonseller has seen what makes businesses thrive—and what makes them stall. In this exclusive interview with The 1839, she distills...

Galveston Firehouse Bond Endorsement

We endorse a YES vote on the $10 million Fire Station No. 2 bond. It’s the first brick in a larger promise: protect the people who protect us—and do better than we did this budget season.Galveston’s 1960s-built Fire Station No. 2 can’t meet today’s emergency needs—too...

A Pelican Island “Land Bridge” Could Be Galveston’s Breakthrough Moment

After a barge strike exposed Galveston’s vulnerability, a bold idea is back: a Pelican Island land bridge that could replace the Seawolf Parkway span, add rail access, and double as storm-surge protection.

Discover the Latest Episode

Hear Galveston Like Never Before

The 1839 is more than articles—we’re bringing Galveston’s voices directly to you. Our podcasts feature in-depth conversations with community leaders, business owners, and visionaries who are shaping the island’s future. Whether it’s big-picture issues or personal stories, these are the conversations that matter.

NEW from David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered

Uncovering the 3.5 % Revenue Cap in Galveston

Brian Maxwell: Leading Galveston Into the Next Decade

David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered: Episode 2

David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered on The1839.com
David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered on The1839.com
David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered: Episode 2
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NEW from Hearts of Galveston

Jeff Antonelli on Service, Stewardship and the Soul of Galveston

Jeff Antonelli on Service and Stewardship with the Heart of Galveston | The 1839

Hearts of Galveston: Part 3 – Bob Brown

Hearts of Galveston: from The 1839
Hearts of Galveston: from The 1839
Hearts of Galveston: Part 3 - Bob Brown
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The Voices Behind the Untold Stories

These community changemakers help tell the untold stories of Galveston. As locals, leaders, and visionaries, they’re shaping the island’s future while sharing their unique perspectives with us.

Our Vision for Galveston

At The 1839, we believe Galveston is more than an island—it’s an evolving story of community, resilience, and possibility. From the salt-air mornings on the Seawall to the entrepreneurial spark in its downtown corridors, we see a place where legacy and innovation meet. Our mission is to honor the heritage of this remarkable coast, bring clarity to the issues that matter, and uplift every voice in a way that invites action—not just observation.

In our latest article “Journalism with Courage, Integrity, and Pride”, we outline how we’re bringing that vision to life—through fearless reporting, a commitment to truth, and journalism that builds community rather than divides it.

The 1839: Journalism with Courage, Integrity, and Pride by David Landriault (Editor in Chief and CEO of The 1839)

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