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Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Trail collapse follows Memorial Green cave-in.

• Bregman nears return from elbow injury.

• A deep dive into the life of Jean Lafitte.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past."

– George Orwell

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Trivia

What is the name of the historic Houston theater district that includes nine major performing arts organizations?

A) Midtown Arts

B) Houston Grand Opera

C) Theater District

D) Bayou Place

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The skyscraper that was the tallest in Houston upon its completion in 1983 is C) Williams Tower.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

Trail collapse at Midway's East River development follows previous Memorial Green cave-in. (link)

California geothermal company opens Houston office, expands C-suite. (link)

🏒 Sports

Astros third baseman Alex Bregman 'closer' to returning from elbow ailment. (link)

Seeking outfield options, Astros claim Ben Gamel off waivers from Mets. (link)

🏦 Finance

Beyoncé, Moët Hennessy launch Houston-headquartered whisky. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals
Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
Thursday, Aug 29th | 7:10 PM | (More info)

⚽ Rice Owls Football vs. Sam Houston State Football
Rice Stadium, Houston, TX
Saturday, Aug 31st | 6:00 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 7evin7ins
White Oak Music Hall - Upstairs , Houston, TX
Thursday, Aug 29th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 Bingo Loco
White Oak Music Hall - Downstairs, Houston, TX
Friday, Aug 30th | 6:30 PM | (More info)

Family

🎭 FAMILY FUN! Love Trees
10001 Westheimer Rd Ste 1110, Houston, TX
Monday, September 2nd | 11:30 AM | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Houston where every building is equipped with solar and wind power” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Houston Historical Events

1839: The Allen brothers advertise Houston in newspapers.

In 1839, the Allen brothers, Augustus and John Allen, took a bold step in promoting their newly founded city of Houston by advertising it in newspapers across the United States. The brothers, who had founded Houston just three years earlier in 1836, sought to attract settlers, businesses, and investors to their burgeoning town, which was strategically located along Buffalo Bayou. Their advertisements highlighted Houston's potential as a commercial and transportation hub, given its proximity to key waterways and the fertile land surrounding it.

The Allen brothers' advertising campaign proved to be highly effective, drawing interest from people across the country who were eager to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the expanding frontier. The advertisements painted Houston as a city of promise, where commerce could thrive and where settlers could establish prosperous lives. This influx of settlers and entrepreneurs helped Houston grow rapidly, transforming it from a small settlement into a thriving town.

The early success of Houston can be directly attributed to the Allen brothers' visionary marketing efforts. Their decision to promote Houston through newspapers played a critical role in shaping the city's early growth and development. As more people arrived, Houston quickly established itself as a key player in the region's economy, setting the stage for its future as one of the largest and most dynamic cities in the United States. The Allen brothers' advertisements were instrumental in putting Houston on the map and securing its place in Texas history.

Famous People From Houston

Jean Lafitte (c. 1780–c. 1823): Notorious pirate and privateer.

Early Life and Path to Piracy (c. 1780–1803)

Jean Lafitte was born around 1780, possibly in France or the French colony of Saint-Domingue (modern-day Haiti). Little is known about his early life, but he is believed to have come from a family involved in maritime trade. Lafitte eventually made his way to the Gulf of Mexico, where he became involved in smuggling and privateering. By the early 19th century, Lafitte had established himself as a prominent figure in the Gulf, operating out of the pirate stronghold of Barataria Bay, near New Orleans. His activities in the region, including smuggling goods and attacking Spanish ships, earned him a reputation as a notorious pirate and privateer.

Establishment of Barataria and Smuggling Operations (1804–1812)

In the early 1800s, Jean Lafitte and his brother Pierre set up a base of operations in Barataria Bay, a remote area of Louisiana that provided an ideal location for smuggling and privateering. The Lafitte brothers built a thriving smuggling operation, trading in goods such as coffee, tobacco, and sugar, as well as enslaved people. Lafitte's fleet of ships, manned by a diverse crew of pirates, privateers, and smugglers, became a formidable force in the Gulf of Mexico. Despite his illegal activities, Lafitte was seen by some as a Robin Hood-like figure, admired for his defiance of Spanish rule and his aid to local residents.

Connection to Houston and the Texas Coast (1813–1820)

Jean Lafitte's connection to Houston and the Texas coast began in the early 19th century when he expanded his operations westward. After being driven out of Barataria by U.S. forces in 1814, Lafitte sought refuge along the Texas coast, where he established a new base on Galveston Island. From this strategic location, Lafitte continued his privateering activities, preying on Spanish ships and trading with American settlers in Texas. His presence in the region had a significant impact on the development of the Texas Gulf Coast, and his dealings with local authorities and settlers played a role in shaping the early history of the area.

Role in the Battle of New Orleans (1814–1815)

Jean Lafitte's most famous contribution to American history came during the War of 1812, specifically in the Battle of New Orleans. Despite being a wanted man, Lafitte offered his services and those of his men to General Andrew Jackson in exchange for a pardon. Lafitte's knowledge of the local terrain and his men’s combat skills proved invaluable in the defense of New Orleans against the British. The victory at the Battle of New Orleans made Lafitte a folk hero, and he received a pardon for his previous crimes. However, Lafitte soon returned to his smuggling and privateering activities, continuing his operations along the Gulf Coast.

Final Years and Mysterious Disappearance (1821–c. 1823)

In the early 1820s, pressure from U.S. authorities and declining profits led Lafitte to abandon his base in Galveston. He reportedly sailed to Central America, where he continued his privateering activities, though details of his final years are shrouded in mystery. Some accounts suggest that Lafitte was killed in battle, while others claim he retired under an assumed name. The exact circumstances of his death remain unknown, adding to the legend of Jean Lafitte. His legacy as a pirate, privateer, and folk hero continues to captivate the imagination, with stories of his exploits and treasure hunts still a part of Gulf Coast folklore.

Legacy and Influence (1824–Present)

Jean Lafitte's influence extends beyond his life as a pirate and privateer. He remains a legendary figure in the history of the Gulf Coast, particularly in Louisiana and Texas. His legacy is commemorated in various ways, from festivals and museums to historical markers and place names. Lafitte's daring exploits, complex character, and ambiguous morality have made him a subject of fascination in literature, film, and popular culture. His impact on the history of the Gulf Coast, including his connections to Houston and the Texas coast, continues to be a topic of study and intrigue.

Key Achievements:

• Established a powerful smuggling and privateering operation in Barataria Bay and later on Galveston Island.

• Played a crucial role in the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812, aiding in the American victory.

• Left a lasting legacy as a legendary figure in Gulf Coast history, influencing the development of the region.

Summary:

Jean Lafitte's journey from an enigmatic figure of the high seas to a legendary pirate and privateer reflects his complex and often contradictory nature. His connection to Houston and the Texas coast was significant, influencing the early history of the region and adding to the mystique surrounding his life. Lafitte's legacy as a daring and resourceful leader, and his role in shaping the Gulf Coast, continue to inspire and captivate, ensuring his place as one of the most intriguing figures in American history.

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