Author: Richard V. Francaviglia
Publisher: Univ of TX + ORM
ISBN: 029276331X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 523
Book Description
“The story of the ships, mariners, and ports that formed a vital connection between Texas and the rest of the world . . . [A] ‘first-stop’ reference.” —The Journal of American History Second Place, Presidio La Bahia Award, Sons of the Republic of Texas The Gulf Coast has been a principal place of entry into Texas ever since Alonso Alvarez de Pineda explored these shores in 1519. Yet, nearly five hundred years later, the maritime history of Texas remains largely untold. In this book, Richard V. Francaviglia offers a comprehensive overview of Texas’ merchant and military marine history, drawn from his own extensive collection of maritime history materials, as well as from research in libraries and museums around the country. Based on recent discoveries in nautical archaeology, Francaviglia tells the stories of the Spanish flotilla that wrecked off Padre Island in 1554 and of La Salle’s flagship Belle, which sank in 1687. He explores the role of the Texas Navy in the Texas Revolution of 1835–1836 and during the years of the Texas Republic and also describes the Civil War battles at Galveston and Sabine Pass. Finally, he recounts major developments of the nineteenth century, concluding with the disastrous Galveston Hurricane in 1900. More than one hundred illustrations, many never before published, complement the text. “Although there have been many excellent and valuable books published previously on specific topics in Texas’ maritime development (e.g. the Texas Navy, river trade, the Civil War, etc.), we have been waiting a long time for a single volume that ties all those loose threads together into a single, cohesive whole.” —Andrew W. Hall, specialist in Texas marine history and archaeology
From Sail to Steam
Author: Richard V. Francaviglia
Publisher: Univ of TX + ORM
ISBN: 029276331X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 523
Book Description
“The story of the ships, mariners, and ports that formed a vital connection between Texas and the rest of the world . . . [A] ‘first-stop’ reference.” —The Journal of American History Second Place, Presidio La Bahia Award, Sons of the Republic of Texas The Gulf Coast has been a principal place of entry into Texas ever since Alonso Alvarez de Pineda explored these shores in 1519. Yet, nearly five hundred years later, the maritime history of Texas remains largely untold. In this book, Richard V. Francaviglia offers a comprehensive overview of Texas’ merchant and military marine history, drawn from his own extensive collection of maritime history materials, as well as from research in libraries and museums around the country. Based on recent discoveries in nautical archaeology, Francaviglia tells the stories of the Spanish flotilla that wrecked off Padre Island in 1554 and of La Salle’s flagship Belle, which sank in 1687. He explores the role of the Texas Navy in the Texas Revolution of 1835–1836 and during the years of the Texas Republic and also describes the Civil War battles at Galveston and Sabine Pass. Finally, he recounts major developments of the nineteenth century, concluding with the disastrous Galveston Hurricane in 1900. More than one hundred illustrations, many never before published, complement the text. “Although there have been many excellent and valuable books published previously on specific topics in Texas’ maritime development (e.g. the Texas Navy, river trade, the Civil War, etc.), we have been waiting a long time for a single volume that ties all those loose threads together into a single, cohesive whole.” —Andrew W. Hall, specialist in Texas marine history and archaeology
Publisher: Univ of TX + ORM
ISBN: 029276331X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 523
Book Description
“The story of the ships, mariners, and ports that formed a vital connection between Texas and the rest of the world . . . [A] ‘first-stop’ reference.” —The Journal of American History Second Place, Presidio La Bahia Award, Sons of the Republic of Texas The Gulf Coast has been a principal place of entry into Texas ever since Alonso Alvarez de Pineda explored these shores in 1519. Yet, nearly five hundred years later, the maritime history of Texas remains largely untold. In this book, Richard V. Francaviglia offers a comprehensive overview of Texas’ merchant and military marine history, drawn from his own extensive collection of maritime history materials, as well as from research in libraries and museums around the country. Based on recent discoveries in nautical archaeology, Francaviglia tells the stories of the Spanish flotilla that wrecked off Padre Island in 1554 and of La Salle’s flagship Belle, which sank in 1687. He explores the role of the Texas Navy in the Texas Revolution of 1835–1836 and during the years of the Texas Republic and also describes the Civil War battles at Galveston and Sabine Pass. Finally, he recounts major developments of the nineteenth century, concluding with the disastrous Galveston Hurricane in 1900. More than one hundred illustrations, many never before published, complement the text. “Although there have been many excellent and valuable books published previously on specific topics in Texas’ maritime development (e.g. the Texas Navy, river trade, the Civil War, etc.), we have been waiting a long time for a single volume that ties all those loose threads together into a single, cohesive whole.” —Andrew W. Hall, specialist in Texas marine history and archaeology
Battle at Sea
Author: R.G. Grant
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0756657016
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 362
Book Description
Battle at Sea looks at every aspect of the story of warfare on, above, and under the sea, including classic naval engagements daring raids carried out on ships in harbor, and landing operations such as D-Day, where control of the sea was essential to transport land forces to new battlefronts. Special features within the book include: graphic and dramatic battle catalogs relating the stories of the men, ships, and organizations behind history’s greatest naval conflicts; spectacular 3D digital artworks following the crucial stages of key battles, step by step; profiles of naval crew — the captain, officers, gunners, quartermaster, surgeon, cooks, and boatswains — exploring their changing roles throughout history; eyewitness accounts recreatingthe experience of the opposing forces in key battles, whether preparing for conflict, in the heat of battle, or dealing with the aftermath of an engagement; photographic tours revealing the intricate details of surviving or reconstructed warships—from an Ancient Greek trireme to a nuclear-powered submarine; features on weapons and technology highlighting developments in naval warfare, from boarding equipment to sonar, cannons to missiles, and propulsion through steam to nuclear power. Battle at Sea is organized into five chapters that are arranged in chronological order. Ancient Wars covers the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, and the great naval battles between warring Chinese dynasties; Medieval Battles charts the era from the fall of Rome to 1500CE; Gun, Sail, and Empire chronicles the European powers setting out on voyages of exploration and colonization; Iron Wars ends with World War II; Technology and Terrorism outlines how naval forces played a crucial role in the balance of terror during the Cold War and still have avital part to play in the uncertainties of the modern world.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0756657016
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 362
Book Description
Battle at Sea looks at every aspect of the story of warfare on, above, and under the sea, including classic naval engagements daring raids carried out on ships in harbor, and landing operations such as D-Day, where control of the sea was essential to transport land forces to new battlefronts. Special features within the book include: graphic and dramatic battle catalogs relating the stories of the men, ships, and organizations behind history’s greatest naval conflicts; spectacular 3D digital artworks following the crucial stages of key battles, step by step; profiles of naval crew — the captain, officers, gunners, quartermaster, surgeon, cooks, and boatswains — exploring their changing roles throughout history; eyewitness accounts recreatingthe experience of the opposing forces in key battles, whether preparing for conflict, in the heat of battle, or dealing with the aftermath of an engagement; photographic tours revealing the intricate details of surviving or reconstructed warships—from an Ancient Greek trireme to a nuclear-powered submarine; features on weapons and technology highlighting developments in naval warfare, from boarding equipment to sonar, cannons to missiles, and propulsion through steam to nuclear power. Battle at Sea is organized into five chapters that are arranged in chronological order. Ancient Wars covers the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, and the great naval battles between warring Chinese dynasties; Medieval Battles charts the era from the fall of Rome to 1500CE; Gun, Sail, and Empire chronicles the European powers setting out on voyages of exploration and colonization; Iron Wars ends with World War II; Technology and Terrorism outlines how naval forces played a crucial role in the balance of terror during the Cold War and still have avital part to play in the uncertainties of the modern world.
Civil War in Texas and the Southwest
Author: Col USA Roy Sullivan
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 146782948X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 222
Book Description
How Did Texas Survive The Civil War? More specifically, how did Texas manage to repulse invading Union armies? And why were there no major battles like Antietam, Shiloh or Gettysburg fought in Texas? Answers include that Texas was too far, too large and that Texans (over 80,000 fought in that terrible struggle) were too feisty. The Civil War in Texas and the Southwest answers the above while shedding new light on Texan audacity, bravery and just plain luck. Part one of the book provides a chronology of the tragically unsuccessful 1861-1862 invading expedition of Confederate General Sibleys Texas volunteers into New Mexico and Arizona. Sibley grandiously called his brigade the Confederate Army of New Mexico. Of the 3,700 Texans who left San Antonio on this campaign, only 2,000 stumbled back the next year. Part two contains little-known stories about failed Union efforts to conquer southern and eastern Texas between 1863-1865. For example, Galveston was occupied by Union forces in 1862, then recaptured during a six hour battle on New Years Day 1863. Further up the Texas coast at Sabine Pass, a Union flotilla of four warships, twenty-two troop transports loaded with 5,000 invasion troops was defeated by a young red-headed Irish Texan lieutenant and his 40 immigrant cannoneers from Eire. And who knows that 300 Texans repulsed 500 better-armed and provisioned Union troops at Palmito ranch in the southern tip of Texas? Palmito was the last battle of the war and was actually fought after Lees surrender. Author Sullivans previous, acclaimed book, Scattered Graves: The Civil War Campaigns of Confederate General and Cherokee Chief Stand Waitie, depicts Waties leadership and hit-and-run tactics. He was the only Indian to be promoted to general on either side and was also the last Confederate general to surrender. Both books are available through Authorhouse.
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 146782948X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 222
Book Description
How Did Texas Survive The Civil War? More specifically, how did Texas manage to repulse invading Union armies? And why were there no major battles like Antietam, Shiloh or Gettysburg fought in Texas? Answers include that Texas was too far, too large and that Texans (over 80,000 fought in that terrible struggle) were too feisty. The Civil War in Texas and the Southwest answers the above while shedding new light on Texan audacity, bravery and just plain luck. Part one of the book provides a chronology of the tragically unsuccessful 1861-1862 invading expedition of Confederate General Sibleys Texas volunteers into New Mexico and Arizona. Sibley grandiously called his brigade the Confederate Army of New Mexico. Of the 3,700 Texans who left San Antonio on this campaign, only 2,000 stumbled back the next year. Part two contains little-known stories about failed Union efforts to conquer southern and eastern Texas between 1863-1865. For example, Galveston was occupied by Union forces in 1862, then recaptured during a six hour battle on New Years Day 1863. Further up the Texas coast at Sabine Pass, a Union flotilla of four warships, twenty-two troop transports loaded with 5,000 invasion troops was defeated by a young red-headed Irish Texan lieutenant and his 40 immigrant cannoneers from Eire. And who knows that 300 Texans repulsed 500 better-armed and provisioned Union troops at Palmito ranch in the southern tip of Texas? Palmito was the last battle of the war and was actually fought after Lees surrender. Author Sullivans previous, acclaimed book, Scattered Graves: The Civil War Campaigns of Confederate General and Cherokee Chief Stand Waitie, depicts Waties leadership and hit-and-run tactics. He was the only Indian to be promoted to general on either side and was also the last Confederate general to surrender. Both books are available through Authorhouse.
Astonishing Insights: Delving into Amazing Facts
Author: Zahid Ameer
Publisher: Zahid Ameer
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 76
Book Description
Welcome to the world of astonishing insights and fascinating facts! In this eBook, "Astonishing Insights: Delving into Amazing Facts," we embark on a journey that will broaden your horizons and leave you in awe of the wonders that surround us. Curiosity and the thirst for knowledge are intrinsic to the human experience. Throughout history, our relentless pursuit of understanding has led us to discover remarkable truths about the world we inhabit. From the vastness of the cosmos to the intricacies of our own minds, the tapestry of knowledge is woven with countless astonishing insights. This eBook serves as your key to unlocking a treasure trove of mind-boggling facts and mind-expanding revelations. It delves into a wide range of topics, presenting captivating insights from various fields, including history, science, nature, technology, and much more. Prepare to be amazed as you journey through these pages. Our world is an extraordinary place, brimming with phenomena and phenomena yet to be discovered. "Astonishing Insights" brings together a collection of incredible facts that will thrill both the inquisitive reader and those seeking inspiration. Whether you are a lifelong learner, a lover of trivia, or simply someone who enjoys expanding their knowledge, this eBook offers something for everyone. As you delve into the pages that follow, prepare to be astonished by tales of long-forgotten civilizations, unbelievable scientific breakthroughs, and the wonders of the natural world. You will encounter mind-bending paradoxes, ancient mysteries that continue to baffle us, and discoveries that redefine our very understanding of existence. It is my sincerest hope that these astonishing insights will serve as catalysts for your own curiosity and ignite a passion for the pursuit of knowledge. There is always something new to learn, and these pages will provide you with the foundation to embark on your own journey of discovery. So, let us embark on this adventure together. Prepare to have your understanding of the world challenged, your imagination ignited, and your perception expanded. May these astonishing insights fill you with wonder, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary that lies within and beyond. Happy reading!
Publisher: Zahid Ameer
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 76
Book Description
Welcome to the world of astonishing insights and fascinating facts! In this eBook, "Astonishing Insights: Delving into Amazing Facts," we embark on a journey that will broaden your horizons and leave you in awe of the wonders that surround us. Curiosity and the thirst for knowledge are intrinsic to the human experience. Throughout history, our relentless pursuit of understanding has led us to discover remarkable truths about the world we inhabit. From the vastness of the cosmos to the intricacies of our own minds, the tapestry of knowledge is woven with countless astonishing insights. This eBook serves as your key to unlocking a treasure trove of mind-boggling facts and mind-expanding revelations. It delves into a wide range of topics, presenting captivating insights from various fields, including history, science, nature, technology, and much more. Prepare to be amazed as you journey through these pages. Our world is an extraordinary place, brimming with phenomena and phenomena yet to be discovered. "Astonishing Insights" brings together a collection of incredible facts that will thrill both the inquisitive reader and those seeking inspiration. Whether you are a lifelong learner, a lover of trivia, or simply someone who enjoys expanding their knowledge, this eBook offers something for everyone. As you delve into the pages that follow, prepare to be astonished by tales of long-forgotten civilizations, unbelievable scientific breakthroughs, and the wonders of the natural world. You will encounter mind-bending paradoxes, ancient mysteries that continue to baffle us, and discoveries that redefine our very understanding of existence. It is my sincerest hope that these astonishing insights will serve as catalysts for your own curiosity and ignite a passion for the pursuit of knowledge. There is always something new to learn, and these pages will provide you with the foundation to embark on your own journey of discovery. So, let us embark on this adventure together. Prepare to have your understanding of the world challenged, your imagination ignited, and your perception expanded. May these astonishing insights fill you with wonder, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary that lies within and beyond. Happy reading!
Sabine Pass
Author: Edward T. Cotham
Publisher: University of Texas Press
ISBN: 0292782462
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 458
Book Description
This “beautifully written . . . and meticulously researched” Civil War history vividly recounts one of the most decisive battles fought in Texas (Civil War News). Jefferson Davis once said the Battle of Sabine Pass was “more remarkable than the battle at Thermopylae.” But unlike the Spartans, who succumbed to overwhelming Persian forces at Thermopylae more than two thousand years before, the Confederate underdogs triumphed in a battle that over time has become steeped in hyperbole. Providing a meticulously researched, scholarly account of this remarkable victory, Sabine Pass at last separates the legends from the evidence. In arresting prose, Edward T. Cotham, Jr., recounts the momentous hours of September 8, 1863, during which a handful of Texans—almost all of Irish descent—under the leadership of Houston saloonkeeper Richard W. Dowling, prevented a Union military force of more than 5,000 men, twenty-two transport vessels, and four gunboats from occupying Sabine Pass, the starting place for a large invasion that would soon have given the Union control of Texas. Sabine Pass sheds new light on previously overlooked details, such as the design and construction of the fort that Dowling and his men defended, and includes the battle report prepared by Dowling himself. The result is a portrait of a mythic event that is even more provocative when stripped of embellishment.
Publisher: University of Texas Press
ISBN: 0292782462
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 458
Book Description
This “beautifully written . . . and meticulously researched” Civil War history vividly recounts one of the most decisive battles fought in Texas (Civil War News). Jefferson Davis once said the Battle of Sabine Pass was “more remarkable than the battle at Thermopylae.” But unlike the Spartans, who succumbed to overwhelming Persian forces at Thermopylae more than two thousand years before, the Confederate underdogs triumphed in a battle that over time has become steeped in hyperbole. Providing a meticulously researched, scholarly account of this remarkable victory, Sabine Pass at last separates the legends from the evidence. In arresting prose, Edward T. Cotham, Jr., recounts the momentous hours of September 8, 1863, during which a handful of Texans—almost all of Irish descent—under the leadership of Houston saloonkeeper Richard W. Dowling, prevented a Union military force of more than 5,000 men, twenty-two transport vessels, and four gunboats from occupying Sabine Pass, the starting place for a large invasion that would soon have given the Union control of Texas. Sabine Pass sheds new light on previously overlooked details, such as the design and construction of the fort that Dowling and his men defended, and includes the battle report prepared by Dowling himself. The result is a portrait of a mythic event that is even more provocative when stripped of embellishment.
Confederate Generals in the Trans-Mississippi, Vol. 2
Author: Lawrence Lee Hewitt
Publisher: Univ. of Tennessee Press
ISBN: 1621900894
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 310
Book Description
"Generals in the Trans-Mississippi have received little attention compared to their eastern counterparts, and many remain mere footnotes to Civil War history. This welcome volume features cutting-edge analyses of eight Southern generals in this most neglected theater-Thomas Hindman, Theophilus Holmes, Edmund Kirby Smith, Mosby Monroe Parsons, John Marmaduke, Thomas James Churchill, Thomas Green, and Joseph Orville Shelby-providing an enlightening new perspective on the Confederate high command." From book jacket.
Publisher: Univ. of Tennessee Press
ISBN: 1621900894
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 310
Book Description
"Generals in the Trans-Mississippi have received little attention compared to their eastern counterparts, and many remain mere footnotes to Civil War history. This welcome volume features cutting-edge analyses of eight Southern generals in this most neglected theater-Thomas Hindman, Theophilus Holmes, Edmund Kirby Smith, Mosby Monroe Parsons, John Marmaduke, Thomas James Churchill, Thomas Green, and Joseph Orville Shelby-providing an enlightening new perspective on the Confederate high command." From book jacket.
Blue & Gray Navies
Author: Spencer C Tucker
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
ISBN: 161251359X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 476
Book Description
A longtime military history professor at Virginia Military Institute and prolific author, Spencer Tucker examines the important roles played by the Union and Confederate navies during the Civil War. His book makes use of recent scholarship as well as official records and the memoirs of participants to provide a complete perspective for the general reader and enough detail to hold the interest of the specialist. Tucker opens with an overview of the U.S. Navy's history to 1861 and then closely examines the two navies at the beginning of the war, looking at the senior leadership, officers and personnel, organization, recruitment practices, training, facilities, and manufacturing resources. He discusses the acquisition of ships and the design and construction of new types, as well as ship armament and the development of naval ordnance, and North and South naval strategies. The book then takes a close look at the war itself, including the Union blockade of the Confederate Atlantic and Gulf coasts, riverine warfare in the Western theater, Confederate blockade running and commerce raiders, and the Union campaigns against New Orleans, Charleston, Vicksburg, and on the Red River. Tucker covers the major battles and technological innovations, and he evaluates the significance of the Union blockade and the demands it placed on Union resources. Fourteen maps and a glossary of terms help readers follow the text. Extensive endnotes provide additional material.
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
ISBN: 161251359X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 476
Book Description
A longtime military history professor at Virginia Military Institute and prolific author, Spencer Tucker examines the important roles played by the Union and Confederate navies during the Civil War. His book makes use of recent scholarship as well as official records and the memoirs of participants to provide a complete perspective for the general reader and enough detail to hold the interest of the specialist. Tucker opens with an overview of the U.S. Navy's history to 1861 and then closely examines the two navies at the beginning of the war, looking at the senior leadership, officers and personnel, organization, recruitment practices, training, facilities, and manufacturing resources. He discusses the acquisition of ships and the design and construction of new types, as well as ship armament and the development of naval ordnance, and North and South naval strategies. The book then takes a close look at the war itself, including the Union blockade of the Confederate Atlantic and Gulf coasts, riverine warfare in the Western theater, Confederate blockade running and commerce raiders, and the Union campaigns against New Orleans, Charleston, Vicksburg, and on the Red River. Tucker covers the major battles and technological innovations, and he evaluates the significance of the Union blockade and the demands it placed on Union resources. Fourteen maps and a glossary of terms help readers follow the text. Extensive endnotes provide additional material.
Cottonclads!
Author: Donald Shaw Frazier
Publisher: State House Press
ISBN: 9781886661097
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 144
Book Description
A detailed account of the innovative and daring tacticat of the Confederates as they boldly attacked the Union fleet to lift the Federal blockade of Texas.
Publisher: State House Press
ISBN: 9781886661097
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 144
Book Description
A detailed account of the innovative and daring tacticat of the Confederates as they boldly attacked the Union fleet to lift the Federal blockade of Texas.
Decisions of the Galveston Campaigns
Author: Edward T Cotham
Publisher: Univ. of Tennessee Press
ISBN: 1621909131
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 185
Book Description
"The Galveston Campaign was a series of naval and overland battles that pitted Confederate general John B. Magruder and Texas Marine commander Leon Smith against the armies of Isaac S. Burrell and naval forces under the command of William B. Renshaw. A Federal fleet of six ships assaulted the city on October 4, 1862, and the city surrendered after a four-day truce was agreed upon. However, by New Year's Day of 1863, Confederate artillery reinforcements had arrived, and Magruder coordinated a bold new attack and naval ruse with two Confederate gunboats to retake Galveston. The city would remain in the South's hands until the end of the war and was one of the few open Confederate ports"--
Publisher: Univ. of Tennessee Press
ISBN: 1621909131
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 185
Book Description
"The Galveston Campaign was a series of naval and overland battles that pitted Confederate general John B. Magruder and Texas Marine commander Leon Smith against the armies of Isaac S. Burrell and naval forces under the command of William B. Renshaw. A Federal fleet of six ships assaulted the city on October 4, 1862, and the city surrendered after a four-day truce was agreed upon. However, by New Year's Day of 1863, Confederate artillery reinforcements had arrived, and Magruder coordinated a bold new attack and naval ruse with two Confederate gunboats to retake Galveston. The city would remain in the South's hands until the end of the war and was one of the few open Confederate ports"--
Battle on the Bay
Author: Edward T. Cotham
Publisher: University of Texas Press
ISBN: 0292782470
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 254
Book Description
The Civil War history of Galveston is one of the last untold stories from America's bloodiest war, despite the fact that Galveston was a focal point of hostilities throughout the conflict. As other Southern ports fell to the Union, Galveston emerged as one of the Confederacy's only lifelines to the outside world. When the war ended in 1865, Galveston was the only major port still in Confederate hands. In this beautifully written narrative history, Ed Cotham draws upon years of archival and on-site research, as well as rare historical photographs, drawings, and maps, to chronicle the Civil War years in Galveston. His story encompasses all the military engagements that took place in the city and on Galveston Bay, including the dramatic Battle of Galveston, in which Confederate forces retook the city on New Year's Day, 1863. Cotham sets the events in Galveston within the overall conduct of the war, revealing how the city's loss was a great strategic impediment to the North. Through his pages pass major figures of the era, as well as ordinary soldiers, sailors, and citizens of Galveston, whose courage in the face of privation and danger adds an inspiring dimension to the story.
Publisher: University of Texas Press
ISBN: 0292782470
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 254
Book Description
The Civil War history of Galveston is one of the last untold stories from America's bloodiest war, despite the fact that Galveston was a focal point of hostilities throughout the conflict. As other Southern ports fell to the Union, Galveston emerged as one of the Confederacy's only lifelines to the outside world. When the war ended in 1865, Galveston was the only major port still in Confederate hands. In this beautifully written narrative history, Ed Cotham draws upon years of archival and on-site research, as well as rare historical photographs, drawings, and maps, to chronicle the Civil War years in Galveston. His story encompasses all the military engagements that took place in the city and on Galveston Bay, including the dramatic Battle of Galveston, in which Confederate forces retook the city on New Year's Day, 1863. Cotham sets the events in Galveston within the overall conduct of the war, revealing how the city's loss was a great strategic impediment to the North. Through his pages pass major figures of the era, as well as ordinary soldiers, sailors, and citizens of Galveston, whose courage in the face of privation and danger adds an inspiring dimension to the story.