The Galveston Parks Board is planning a historic event next weekend, aiming to both honor the city’s past and secure a new Guinness World Records title. On Saturday, September 6, the board hopes to bring together 8,125 people along the Seawall in an attempt to earn it the designation of “world’s longest walkway.”
The ambitious event is scheduled to coincide with the 125th anniversary of the devastating 1900 hurricane that claimed the lives of more than 8,000 people. The goal is to form a human chain along the iconic 10.3-mile seawall, with the number of participants representing a tribute to those who perished in the storm.
Galveston’s Seawall, a feat of engineering built to protect the island from future natural disasters, is already recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest continuous sidewalk in the United States. This new attempt, however, aims for a “longest walkway” title, which involves the human chain aspect.
The event is more than a world record attempt; it’s a living memorial and a testament to the resilience of the Galveston community. Participants will gather at 8:45 a.m. along the Seawall between 23rd and 61st Streets to form the human chain. A drone will fly over to capture the image for the official record attempt. The event will also feature a ceremony at the Great Storm Statue with remarks from local officials.
Organizers are encouraging everyone to participate and be part of this significant moment in Galveston’s history. The event is free and open to all ages, serving as a powerful display of community solidarity and a solemn remembrance of the city’s greatest tragedy.
