I read a brief mention (in Erik Larson's "Isaac's Storm") that it was considered one of the best places for an African-American to live in that period, especially considering the standard of living they could expect and general acceptance in society. Also that their worker's union essentially controlled the port.
Firstly, how true is this? And then, how did this come about?
What was life like for a freeman pre-Civil War in the region?
Was this status able to survive the destruction of the city in 1900?
I’m a Texas Historian, and I think I can help answer your question. At the turn of the century, Galveston was the economic hub of southeastern Texas. Since the time of the Civil War, it’s population had exploded to over 20,000 residents.
In 1875, a hurricane struck and destroyed the only other major port city in Texas (Indianola) and left it entirely devastated. Following Indianola’s destruction, Galveston became the largest port of goods in the state...and it even started to rival New Orleans.
Because of the immense quantity of jobs, Galveston attracted a large number of former African slaves. Although I wouldn’t necessarily say that Galveston was completely devoid of racism, the residents were far more eager to hire the African Americans because they were good workers and would work for less.
Additionally, unlike the New England states, there wasn’t a huge flow of foreign immigration into Galveston following the Civil War. Most of its minority population came from the old plantations and the Caribbean, resulting in a much more accepting place to live.
Due to this, Galveston was one of the very first places in Texas to readily assist the African Americans in starting new lives. A number of Galvestonians created concepts and techniques to help combat racism that were actually followed by other portions of the state.
So, to try and sum it all up, Galveston became the economic hub of southeastern Texas following the 1875 destruction of its rival, Indianola. With the sudden influx of jobs, came the sudden need for laborers and workers, and at the time there were not many options available in Texas for the former African slaves. With progress came acceptance, and by the 1900 storm, Galveston was a leading city for racial acceptance and cultural diversity.
Hope this helps.
This is indeed a great question, and MajorBatarang's answers are great.
I don't have a lot of time to write, but look up Norris Wright Cuney. He was one of the leading Black politicians of the late 19th century, and he was based out of Galveston. He was the person who organized a lot of the dock worker's strikes that helped solidify Black workers' strength. He alone won't answer your question, but should help give you some idea of the social and political landscape there.
Also, Galveston was where the Emancipation Proclamation was first read in Texas, on June 19th, 1865. This made Galveston the birthplace of Juneteenth, the annual Texan (and beyond) holiday of celebrating freedom. A lot of Black Americans of the time were politically aware, and Galveston island is still an important landmark in celebrating freedom from slavery. That's not incidental, especially in the years following slavery.
My own research has centered on a few Black Galvestonians, and more generally I can say that there were a lot of opportunities for Black success there. There were a number of different "Colored" fraternal organizations (like the Prince Hall Freemasons -- Norris Wright Cuney was a Mason, and when he died, his funeral followed Masonic rites). Again, this doesn't provide a comprehensive overview, but should hopefully flesh out the image of what Galveston had to offer Black Americans.