Maritime trade, piracy, war, hurricanes, political unrest, early settlement, and port-driven prosperity define the turbulent history of Houston and the Galveston coast.

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He warned a raging, hostile crowd of the horrors of war, predicting &#34;fire and rivers of blood&#34; would result. Narrated by Craig Patterson.

Sam Houston’s Last Public Speech

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Beginning with a few cows, pigs, and sheep he accepted as payment, he built up large herds. Narrated by Craig Patterson.

Site of 1837 Lubbock Ranch

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In the second half of the 19th century, Galveston was one of the richest and busiest ports in the world. Narrated by Chris Brinkley.

Mid 1800s at “The Strand”

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Galveston was the biggest city and busiest seaport at the start of the Civil War, which formally ended here. Narrated by Chris Brinkley.

Last Confederate Force Surrender

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Historical Marker - Galveston began as a home base for a couple different pirates including notorious Jean Lafitte. Narrated by Tom Glynn.

Galveston’s Early Years

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The early history of Galveston Island includes indigenous people and shipwrecked Spaniards. Narrated by Ean Leppin.

The Karankawas & de Vaca

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The 1900 Galveston Hurricane is known as the greatest natural disaster ever to strike the United States, causing at least 8,000 deaths. Narrated by Tom Glynn.

The Great Galveston Hurricane

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The first live and direct televised picture of a hurricane—the famously devastating Carla—was broadcast from here. Narrated by Craig Patterson.

Galveston’s Weather Station

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When President Sam Houston ordered the Navy be sold, incensed townspeople used force to prevent bidding. Narrated by Craig Patterson.

Galveston & The Texas Republic

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During the Battle of Galveston it was in the line of fire from the 11-inch guns on the Federal ship ”Owasco.” Narrated by Craig Patterson.

Early Galveston Commercial Block

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Historical Marker - Important activists gathered to consider a &#34;National Plan of Action&#34; to improve the lives of women. Narrated by Joy Nash.

1977 National Women’s Conference

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Union ships fled despite demands for surrender, and this most important Texas port remained in Confederate control. Narrated by Tom Glynn.

1863 Battle of Galveston

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The Federal fleet’s 9 inch shell passed through the walls of the second story but failed to explode. Narrated by Tom Glynn.

1857 Federal Building’s Legacy

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Mallory Steamship lines docked at Piers 22 and 23 discharging and taking on passengers and cargo, mostly cotton. Narrated by Tom Glynn.

1840 Galveston Central Wharf

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It was noted for its serene and beautiful grounds, which included oleanders, palms and Bermuda grass. Narrated by Sarah Prather.

Galveston Quarantine Stations

Maritime trade, piracy, war, hurricanes, political unrest, early settlement, and port-driven prosperity define the turbulent history of Houston and the Galveston coast.