High Island in Bolivar Peninsula in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
High Island
Photographed by Joe Lotz, August 6, 2026
1. High Island Marker
The coastal community of High Island sits atop a salt dome at the east end of Bolivar Peninsula. It was named High Island because the hill sits about 45 feet above sea, the only dry land visible during storms and flooding.
Settled by anglos in the early 1800s, nearly all of High Island lies within the Martin Dunman survey, granted in 1837. The pioneers were mostly farmers, though George E. Smith gained fame from his patented bottled water from natural springs on his land.
The town expanded in 1886 when the gulf and interstate railroad began operations in the area. A depot was built along with many new businesses. In 1897, C.T. Cade constructed the Sea View hotel on the hill overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The hotel became a place of refuge in 1900 and 1915 when hurricanes struck the Texas coast, causing flooding over the peninsula.
Oil was discovered on High Island, with successful drilling beginning in 1916. Petroleum deposits found at the perimeter of the salt dome in 1931 started an oil boom and provided employment for the region.
High Island has become recognized internationally as an important habitat for migratory birds, bringing crowds of birdwatchers annually to the area.
Erected 1996 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 7490.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.
Location. 29° 34.055′ N, 94° 23.897′ W. Marker is in Bolivar Peninsula, Texas, in Galveston County. It is on High Island. It can be reached from Texas 124 (State Highway 124) 0.2 miles south of Guidry Road. Marker is in a rest area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1837 TX-124, High Island TX 77623, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Houston
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least one other marker is within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Charles Cronea (approx. 0.6 miles away).
Another marker is no longer nearby. Rollover Fish Pass (was approx. 7.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Rich Pfingsten, November 18, 2010
2. High Island Marker
Photographed by Rich Pfingsten, November 18, 2010
3. High Island Marker
Photographed by Rich Pfingsten, November 18, 2010
4. High Island
Area was severely damaged by Hurricane Ike.
Photographed by Richard Denney, January 24, 2010
5. From High Island Towards Gulf
This photo provides a sense of the elevation above sea level that High Island affords. Photo taken on Texas 124, looking south towards Gulf of Mexico in the distance (click on photo, looks towards horizon). While it doesn't seem like it's all that "high", it was enough to keep it above the flood waters of Hurricane Ike that devastated so much of Bolivar Peninsula.
Photographed by Joe Lotz, August 6, 2026
6. High Island Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2010, by Rich Pfingsten of Forest Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 4,360 times since then and 383 times this year. Last updated on August 9, 2026, by Joe Lotz of Flower Mound, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on August 9, 2026, by Joe Lotz of Flower Mound, Texas. 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 1, 2010, by Rich Pfingsten of Forest Hill, Maryland. 5. submitted on October 1, 2013, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. 6. submitted on August 9, 2026, by Joe Lotz of Flower Mound, Texas. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
