 The economy of the island entered a long stagnant period . Many businesses relocated off the island during this period ; however , health care , insurance and financial industries continue to be strong contributors to the economy . By 1959 , the city of Houston had long out @-@ paced Galveston in population and economic growth . Beginning in 1957 , the Galveston Historical Foundation began its efforts to preserve historic buildings . The 1966 book The Galveston That Was helped encourage the preservation movement . Restoration efforts financed by motivated investors , notably Houston businessman George P. Mitchell , gradually developed the Strand Historic District and reinvented other areas . A new , family @-@ oriented tourism emerged in the city over many years . 
 The economy of the island entered a long stagnant period . Many businesses relocated off the island during this period ; however , health care , insurance and financial industries continue to be strong contributors to the economy . By 1959 , the city of Houston <a href='been_done' title='1'><mark>had</mark></a> long out @-@ paced Galveston in population and economic growth . Beginning in 1957 , the Galveston Historical Foundation began its efforts to preserve historic buildings . The 1966 book The Galveston That Was helped encourage the preservation movement . Restoration efforts financed by motivated investors , notably Houston businessman George P. Mitchell , gradually developed the Strand Historic District and reinvented other areas . A new , family @-@ oriented tourism emerged in the city over many years . 
The economy of the island entered a long stagnant period . Many businesses relocated off da island during dis period ; however , health care , insurance and financial industries continue to b strong contributors to the economy . By 1959 , the city of Houston done long outt @-@ paced Galveston in population and economic growth . Beginning in 1957 , tdaGalveston Historical Foundation began its efforts to preserve historic buildings . Thda966 book The Galveston dat Was helped encourage thedaeservation movement . Restoration efforts financed by motivated investors , notably Houston businessman George P. Mitchell , gradually developed the daand Historic District and reinvented other areas . A new , fam @-@ oriented tourism emerged in the cda over many yrs .