 Named after Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid , Count of Gálvez ( born in Málaga , Spain ) , Galveston 's first European settlements on the island were constructed around 1816 by French pirate Louis @-@ Michel Aury to help the fledgling Republic of Mexico fight Spain . The Port of Galveston was established in 1825 by the Congress of Mexico following its successful independence from Spain . The city served as the main port for the Texas Navy during the Texas Revolution , and later served as the capital of the Republic of Texas . 
 Named after Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid , Count of Gálvez ( born in Málaga , Spain ) , Galveston <a href='null_genetive' title='1'><mark>'s</mark></a>first European settlements on the island <a href='uninflect' title='2'><mark>were</mark></a> constructed around 1816 by French pirate Louis @-@ Michel Aury to help the fledgling Republic of Mexico fight Spain . The Port of Galveston was established in 1825 by the Congress of Mexico following its successful independence from Spain . The city served as the main port for the Texas Navy during the Texas Revolution , and later served as the capital of the Republic of Texas . 
Named after Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid , Count of Gálvez ( born in Málaga , Spain ) , Galveston  first European settlements on the island was constructed around 1816 by French pirate Louis @-@ Michel Aury to help da fledgling Republic of Mexico fight Spain . The Port of Galveston was established in 1825 by tdaCongress of Mexico following its successful independence from Spain . The city served as thdaain port for the Texas Navy durin thedaxas Revolution , and later served as the capital of the Republic of Texas .