Ursuline Nuns in Galveston
In January 1847, seven nuns of the Ursuline Order, the first order of religious women in Texas, came to Galveston and established a convent and academy. The school opened with 25 students in February 1847 and quickly added more pupils, some of whom boarded.

In addition to educating the youth of the area, the Ursuline nuns ministered to the community thru numerous tribulations during yellow fever epidemics of 1847, 1853, 1858 and 1868. The convent served as a hospital. Both Union and Confederate solders were treated by the nuns during the Civil War without regard for the sisters' personal safety.

The Convent and Academy also provided shelter to the citizens of Galveston when hurricanes struck the area. During a hurricane in 1900, more than 1000 people found shelter in the Ursuline building. The only structure standing near the gulf area. The nuns rescued many people at times risking their own lives.

A view of the cemetery.

To St. Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursuline Order, to the seven Ursuline nuns who came to Galveston Island January 19, 1847 to establish Catholic education in Texas, to all Ursulines who rest here in this sacred ground who thru their efforts for 144 years instructed and guided thousands of youths in Catholic education and who served the Galveston community during war, epidemics and storm, we dedicate this memorial as a tribute with gratitude and affection from graduates of the Ursuline Academy of Galveston, Texas.

God Grant Them Eternal Rest.
Dedicated November 2, 1991
Ursuline Alumnae Assn. of Galveston
Dorothy Wolten, Chairperson