GALVESTON — Thousands of residents and visitors lined up along the Galveston Seawall on Saturday to create a human chain spanning more than 10 miles, commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Great Storm of 1900.

The effort, organized as part of a Guinness World Record attempt, called for 8,125 participants to join hands along the city’s iconic Seawall. By afternoon, organizers confirmed the chain stretched 10.3 miles, making it the longest human walkway in the world.

Participants held hands from one end of the Seawall to the other, paying tribute to the more than 8,000 lives lost when the hurricane struck the island in September 1900. Many brought signs, photos, and mementos of loved ones affected by the storm, while families and groups of friends wove through the crowd to ensure the chain was continuous.

Local officials, historians, and volunteers helped coordinate the event, which also served as a reminder of the city’s resilience and the protective Seawall that now shields Galveston from future storms.

The Army Corps of Engineers also attended the event, giving a speech about how determined their former soldiers were in creating such a marvel for the time, and still are today.

City leaders said the event was part of ongoing efforts to celebrate Galveston’s history and to educate younger generations about the storm’s lasting impact.