In what year did the City of Galveston, Texas, adopt the commission form of government?

The City of Galveston adopted the commission form of government in 1901 as a response to the challenges it faced following a devastating hurricane in 1900. The commission form of government is significant because it allows for more efficient and responsive governance by having elected officials in charge of specific departments, such as public works, health, and finance. This structure was seen as a way to streamline decision-making and improve accountability, particularly in the aftermath of the hurricane's destruction.

The choice of 1901 is crucial as it marks a pivotal change in how local governance was structured in Galveston, unlike earlier timeframes which did not reflect the adoption of this innovative governance approach. The year was integral in shaping the city’s ability to rebuild and manage its recovery and growth effectively. This historical context is important in understanding the evolution of municipal governance in Texas and the impact of local disasters on political structures.