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The Kemah post office was established November 12, 1907 by John H. Kipp, Sr. The name of the town was changed to Kemah because there was already an Evergreen. Kemah, an Indian word meaning “Wind in the Face”, was chosen by residents. Most families on the bay had boats for transportation, therefore one of the first businesses in Kemah was the Platzer Boatyard. Owned and operated by Herman Platzer the yard was located on Clear Creek, which afforded deep water for docking while the shallow bay did not. New boats were built and old boats repaired and refinished. With the advent of Prohibition in 1920 and the tolerance of Galveston County officials to alcohol and games of chance, Kemah became Houston’s playground with wide-open gambling and drinking. During the 1950’s the Clear Creek Channel was opened and a large shrimp fleet was based at Kemah. Carla, the 1961 hurricane devastated the city and virtually destroyed it. Recovery from the massive storm was slow but the fishing industry returned and grew in strength. Marine storage facilities for pleasure craft in the city and surrounding areas during the 1970’s and 1980’s added greatly to the economy. Kemah was incorporated as a village on March 22, 1965.
In 1992 the city encompassed two square miles with a population of 1,300.
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Population
Area
Tax Rate
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2330
2 square miles
7.125 cents per $100 valuation
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As Mayor of the City of Kemah, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our exciting, vibrant city. We invite you to “Breeze into Kemah” a slogan which accurately describes our recreational environment.
“Kemah” is an Indian word meaning “wind in my face.” The city is aptly named because there is a near constant sea breeze from Galveston Bay. Kemah¹s name has also been long associated with the water and having fun.
Today, that is even more true with the spectacular Kemah Boardwalk and Kemah Lighthouse District with shops of every description, fine restaurants and marinas offering just about any kind of water related activity you can imagine.
Kemah is the place to take a break. Come on down for a day or overnight.
You’ll enjoy “Breezing into Kemah”.
Sincerely,
Greg Collins
Mayor
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