LoneStar Times has an amazing before and after picture of Galveston. It's stunning.  

I was reading an AP story about Galveston rebuilding and got a bit of a history lesson. As most of you probably know, a catastrophic hurricane hit the island in 1900 and 6000 people perished in the storm. In 1915 another hit, but only less than a dozen died.

I decided to see what I could find about the 1900 storm that killed so many. It seems the people back then are as resilent and determined to rebuild as the people of Galveston today:

In the first week after the storm, according to McComb's book, telegraph and water service were restored. Lines for a new telephone system were being laid by the second.

"In the third week, Houston relief groups went home, the saloons reopened, the electric trolleys began operating and freight began moving through the harbor," McComb wrote.

The people of Galveston seem ready to do the same:

Twelve days after Hurricane Ike began an assault that left their city in shambles, thousands of Galveston residents are making their way back home this morning to take stock and begin the long recovery.

Officials have warned residents that Galveston Island remains a devastated place with few trappings of civilization and many serious health hazards, but the miles-long traffic jam moving slowly southward on the Gulf Freeway attests to the desire many are feeling to return home despite everything.

Even though some voices questioning rebuilding Galveston, the people will rebuild, despite everything.