Living in Kemah
Welcome to Kemah, Texas. Located on the bay 25 miles northwest of Galveston in northeastern Galveston County, Kemah was originally a small fishing town. The establishment of the Kemah Boardwalk in 2001 changed things a bit, however, and now locals from Houston travel here to eat seafood and enjoy themselves.
The name Kemah comes from an Indian word meaning "facing the winds." Kemah was originally known as Evergreen. It was also called Shell Siding after the oyster shells lining the bay, which in some places were twenty to thirty feet deep.
When town co-founder John Henry Kipp petitioned for a post office, he was denied. There was already a town in Texas called Evergreen (although it is now known as Cleveland, Texas). A poll was taken of the residents, and the name Kemah was chosen. This resolved the situation, and the town was granted a post office in 1907.
The residents of Kemah still celebrate an annual Blessing of the Fleet, a nod to its days as a shrimping town. The blessing is always held the first Sunday in August.
If you haven't seen the beauty and charm of Kemah personally, take a look at these photos. You won't be able to way until you can at least visit!
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