Galveston?s Tree Carvings

On September 13, 2008, Hurricane Ike made landfall in Galveston with a 12-foot storm surge that flooded most of the island. The salt water then killed between 40,000 and 50,000 trees in Galveston. After they died, the trees were cut down. A local citizen made the suggestion to carve the stumps into sculptures. Three different professional artists and one amateur artist carved all of the carvings on the island. The first carving was completed in 2009, and the stumps continue to be carved as of 2014. They have become a must-see tourist attraction in Galveston.

Joseph R. Pellerin is a third-generation Gavlestonian, or BOI (born on the island). He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Joseph began his career as an adjunct history professor at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas, in 2006. That same year, he started with the Galveston Historical Foundation. After four years there, Joseph took over a tour company called Galveston Historic Tour. Today, Joseph continues to teach part time and give tours of Galveston full time.