GALVESTON, Texas – A new world record might soon belong to Galveston Island, and it’s not your typical record-breaker. This time, the coastal city is aiming for recognition from Guinness World Records for having the longest continuous walkway in the world — located right on top of its iconic seawall.
A Record With a Historic Backdrop
According to Mary Beth Bassett, Public Relations Manager for Visit Galveston, officials will measure the Galveston Seawall on Saturday, September 6, in hopes of confirming its place in the record books.
“We’re attempting to get into the Guinness World Record Book for the longest walkway,” Bassett said.
This unique attempt is taking place just days before a solemn milestone — the 125th anniversary of the 1900 hurricane, also known as The Great Storm, which remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, claiming over 8,000 lives.
The Seawall: Born from Tragedy
After the devastation of the 1900 storm, Galveston leaders launched what became one of the largest civil engineering projects in the country’s history: the Galveston Seawall.
Construction began in 1902
The original wall stood 17 feet high and 16 feet thick at its base
The project included raising the elevation of the entire city, lifting buildings over 10 feet
This massive effort paid off. When another major hurricane hit in 1915, the seawall helped prevent the kind of widespread destruction seen just 15 years earlier.
“It’s the largest civil engineering project in US history,” said Will Wright of the Galveston Historical Foundation. “It took a disaster to build something that would combat that in the future.”
10.3 Miles of History and Hope
Today, the Galveston Seawall stretches more than 10 miles. On top of this iconic structure is a 10.3-mile-long walkway, which may soon earn the official title of “Longest Continuous Walkway in the World.”
It’s not just about breaking a record — it’s about remembrance and resilience.
To honour the lives lost in 1900, Visit Galveston is calling on 8,125 people — one for each person who died in the storm — to take part in a human chain along the walkway.
“We just want to show that we’re united in Galveston’s strength to just keep on going after a deadly natural disaster like that,” Bassett said.
Event Schedule: Saturday, September 6
If you’re planning to be part of this historic event, here’s what to expect:
8:45 a.m. – Line-up begins along the Seawall
9:00 a.m. – Group photo and drone flyover
9:30 a.m. – Ceremony at the Great Storm Statue (in front of San Luis Resort), with remarks from the Mayor and community leaders
Registration is required, but the event is free and open to all ages. Participants are advised to:
Wear comfortable shoes
Bring drinking water
Be prepared for any weather — rain or shine
Take advantage of free Seawall parking until 10 a.m.
As Galveston nears the 125th anniversary of its greatest tragedy, the city is choosing to honour its past with unity and purpose. The bid to set a Guinness World Record for the longest walkway is more than a fun milestone — it’s a symbol of resilience, remembrance, and recovery.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, standing hand-in-hand along the seawall this Saturday means standing for history, hope, and Galveston’s unwavering strength.
