Muskogee and northeastern Oklahoma played an important role in relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans a few years ago. But this was not the first time Muskogeeans had compassionately reached out to others affected by a deadly storm. In September of 1900, the hurricane that ravaged Galveston, Texas was reported by Muskogee newspapers and brought a quick response from Indian Territory.

In those days hurricanes were not named as they are today so the Galveston hurricane is usually referenced by the date when it made landfall on the Texas island. On September 8, 1900, the storm, with winds up to 135 miles per hour, slammed into the coast. This would have made it a category 4 storm, though that scale was not used at the time. It took most Texas coast residents by surprise, even though hurricane warnings had been issued.

Communication was very slow in those days and storms were difficult to track. Ships reported the storm as it passed the island of Cuba. Cities all along the Gulf Coast were advised of the storm’s approach but its exact track was impossible to predict.

Muskogeeans read about the storm in the papers on September 10. Referring to it as the “Galveston flood,” details of the storm’s devastation were slow to come out of the ravaged area. All telegraph lines, roads and bridges connecting Galveston to the rest of Texas had been destroyed.

In the next few days after slamming into Texas, the storm continued north, crossing Indian Territory and then continuing all the way to the Great Lakes and then over to the eastern U.S. coast. Though it brought high winds and heavy rain, it did not significantly impact the Muskogee area.

Day after day, following the hurricane the Muskogee papers carried the news of Galveston’s devastation. An exact death toll could not be determined but it is estimated that over 8,000 people were killed, making it the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. Galveston sat at about nine feet above sea level; the storm surge of the hurricane reached 15 feet. The entire island and much of the interior coast was inundated and most storm victims died from drowning.

As Muskogeeans read the accounts of the storm, they rallied to bring aid to their devastated neighbors. The Knights Templar organized a drive to collect money and supplies. The M-K-T Railroad offered to transport loads of food and clothing to the Texas coast for free. As always, the compassionate people of the community worked to lend support to others in need.

It took Galveston years to recover from the Great Storm of 1900. Knowing all about storm recovery, it is not surprising that Oklahomans were willing to offer aid where it was needed. That’s the Okie thing to do.

Reach Jonita Mullins at jonita@netscape.com.