Galveston's evacuation ahead of Hurricane Rita is evoking comparisons with the devastating storm that hit the city 105 years ago. [Photos: Library of Congress]

Houses were tipped over like children's toys by the high winds.

The few buildings left standing bore witness to the ferocity of the hurricane.

The winds left most public buildings, such as this church, in ruins.

The coastal waters were full of the remains of wrecked buildings.

Many residents tried to salvage what they could from their destroyed homes.

Shopkeepers attempted to salvage what remained of their businesses.

The images evoke comparisons with the effects of aerial bombing, at the time an unknown concept.