Additional information
by Tristan Smith (Author)
A guide through the history of the Playground of the Southwest. Established in 1839, Galveston was the largest city in Texas for much of the state's early history. The island city has hosted the likes of Cabeza de Vaca, Jean Lafitte, Sam Houston, Jack Johnson, King Vidor, and Sam Maceo. A strategic target during the Civil War and military stronghold during both World Wars, Galveston endured through countless calamities, including the most damaging hurricane to hit the United States. From historic mansions to long-hidden outposts of the vice district, author Tristan Smith surveys the best places to catch a glimpse of the Oleander City's past, whether that comes in the form of museum treasure or Seawall panorama.
Author Biography
Tristan Smith is an independent historian living in Houston, Texas. He has worked for museums and nonprofits in Kansas, Missouri and Texas for more than twenty years in marketing, curation, education, volunteer, management and administrative capacities. He has also consulted organizations and municipalities in historic preservation. He is the author of Houston Fire Department (Images of America series, Arcadia Publishing, 2015), A History Lover's Guide to Houston (The History Press, 2020) and Historic Cemeteries of Houston and Galveston (The History Press, 2023). His additional writing can be found in Authentic Texas magazine, and additional work can be found on his website, www.thehistorysmith.com.
