GALVESTON, Texas – The Galveston Seawall has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest contiguous sidewalk in the United States, stretching 7.3 miles along the Texas Gulf Coast.
The announcement comes as the city prepares to mark the 125th anniversary of the 1900 storm, the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history.
A unity event is scheduled for Sept. 6 to commemorate both the historic storm and the city’s new world record. The event will bring together residents, officials, and visitors to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in 1900 and to celebrate Galveston’s continued resilience.
Galveston Mayor Craig Brown called the recognition a symbol of the city’s strength and recovery over the past century.
The seawall, originally constructed as a flood barrier following the devastating hurricane, has become a central part of the city’s identity, offering both protection and a public space for recreation.
Built after the 1900 hurricane claimed thousands of lives and caused widespread destruction, the seawall was designed to prevent future storm surge damage while enhancing the coastline’s accessibility.