Houston History — Points of Interest by Autio-logo

Houston History — Points of Interest by Autio

Autio

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

Location:

United States

Networks:

Autio

Description:

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

Language:

English


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Sam Houston’s Last Public Speech

1/4/2026
He warned a raging, hostile crowd of the horrors of war, predicting "fire and rivers of blood" would result. Narrated by Craig Patterson.

Duration:00:04:08

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Site of 1837 Lubbock Ranch

1/4/2026
Beginning with a few cows, pigs, and sheep he accepted as payment, he built up large herds. Narrated by Craig Patterson.

Duration:00:02:22

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Mid 1800s at “The Strand”

1/4/2026
In the second half of the 19th century, Galveston was one of the richest and busiest ports in the world. Narrated by Chris Brinkley.

Duration:00:02:13

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Last Confederate Force Surrender

1/4/2026
Galveston was the biggest city and busiest seaport at the start of the Civil War, which formally ended here. Narrated by Chris Brinkley.

Duration:00:02:53

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Galveston’s Early Years

1/4/2026
Historical Marker - Galveston began as a home base for a couple different pirates including notorious Jean Lafitte. Narrated by Tom Glynn.

Duration:00:02:26

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Karankawas & de Vaca

1/4/2026
The early history of Galveston Island includes indigenous people and shipwrecked Spaniards. Narrated by Ean Leppin.

Duration:00:02:02

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Great Galveston Hurricane

1/4/2026
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.

Duration:00:02:50

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Galveston’s Weather Station

1/4/2026
The first live and direct televised picture of a hurricane—the famously devastating Carla—was broadcast from here. Narrated by Craig Patterson.

Duration:00:01:54

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Galveston & The Texas Republic

1/4/2026
When President Sam Houston ordered the Navy be sold, incensed townspeople used force to prevent bidding. Narrated by Craig Patterson.

Duration:00:02:50

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Early Galveston Commercial Block

1/4/2026
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.

Duration:00:02:27

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

1977 National Women’s Conference

1/4/2026
Historical Marker - Important activists gathered to consider a "National Plan of Action" to improve the lives of women. Narrated by Joy Nash.

Duration:00:02:12

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

1863 Battle of Galveston

1/4/2026
Union ships fled despite demands for surrender, and this most important Texas port remained in Confederate control. Narrated by Tom Glynn.

Duration:00:01:46

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

1857 Federal Building’s Legacy

1/4/2026
The Federal fleet’s 9 inch shell passed through the walls of the second story but failed to explode. Narrated by Tom Glynn.

Duration:00:03:13

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

1840 Galveston Central Wharf

1/4/2026
Mallory Steamship lines docked at Piers 22 and 23 discharging and taking on passengers and cargo, mostly cotton. Narrated by Tom Glynn.

Duration:00:03:00

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Galveston Quarantine Stations

1/4/2026
It was noted for its serene and beautiful grounds, which included oleanders, palms and Bermuda grass. Narrated by Sarah Prather.

Duration:00:01:53