Houston Notable Figures — Points of Interest by Autio

Ostermayer and his Texas Diary

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:33:11 +0000

Heinrich Ostermayer traveled to Texas in 1848 and his diary was influential in attracting German immigrants. Narrated by Ean Leppin.

A.J. High: Aviator and Air Force Veteran

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:32:39 +0000

He was one of the 16 original pilots who flew for Trans-Texas Airways. Narrated by WF Strong.

Tap Dancer and Singer Ann Miller

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:32:01 +0000

Born as Johnnie Lee Collier, her parents named her “John” because they wanted a son. Narrated by Joy Nash.

Sally Ride, First Woman in Space

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:31:21 +0000

The LBJ Space Center has had many “firsts” over the years and Sally Ride added to that list. Narrated by Joy Nash.

Annie Zhu

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:30:50 +0000

Co-founded an organization to provide nutritious food to those living in areas with limited options to healthy choices. Narrated by Sarah Prather.

James Dean & the Shamrock Hotel

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:29:59 +0000

The 20 story hotel had the biggest swimming pool on the planet, so large that people water-skied in it. Narrated by WF Strong.

Cabeza de Vaca

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:28:58 +0000

Despite the intense difficulties of his journey, Cabeza de Vaca, Texas’ first tourist, still marvelled at the beauty of this place. Narrated by WF Strong.

Jack Johnson: The Galveston Giant

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:28:24 +0000

No Better person to tell the stories of Texas. Narrated by WF Strong.

Texas Seafarer Levi Harby

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:27:42 +0000

A naval officer into his 70’s Harby fought in the War of 1812 and the Civil War forty years later. Narrated by Craig Patterson.

Weatherman Was Tragically Wrong

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:26:26 +0000

Local meteorologist thought a hurricane doing any serious harm to Galveston was "a crazy idea." Narrated by Craig Patterson.

Yankee in Rebel Navy: Leon Smith

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:25:50 +0000

Born in New England, he sided with the Confederacy and was regarded as the best naval officer of his day. Narrated by Craig Patterson.

Texas’s Tie to Revolutionary War

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:24:39 +0000

The person who Galveston - and a host of other places - is named after is one of only eight honorary US citizens. Narrated by Tom Glynn.

“The Mother of Houston”

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:23:42 +0000

Historical Marker - She was a leader in Houston during a time when women had few rights and fewer opportunities. Narrated by Joy Nash.

“Father of Texas Railroads”

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:23:13 +0000

A general, congressman, leader in the Texas Revolution, and settler of San Jacinto. Narrated by Tom Glynn.

Lifeguard Peter Leroy Colombo

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:22:35 +0000

He lost hearing, speech and use of his legs at age seven, but would go on to save hundreds as a lifeguard. Narrated by Tom Glynn.