Modern Times Lecture: "The Opening of the Houston Ship Channel"
About the event
Modern Times Lecture Series: "The Opening of the Houston Ship Channel" Dr. Geoff Connor discusses Houston’s history as outlined in his newest publication Sunday, August 13 | Doors 2:00pm | Lecture 2:30pm - 3:30pm Neill-Cochran House Museum 2310 San Gabriel St, Austin TX The modern Houston Ship Channel was opened in 1914 making Houston a deepwater port even though the city itself was miles inland from saltwater. Although Houston had been shipping goods from the city to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond for over 70 years, the route had been often cumbersome and time-consuming. The modern ship channel established Houston as a true international shipping port and greatly expanded the city’s financial and political reach. The port and ship channel would soon enable Houston to pull the oil industry in like a magnet, and to construct corollary industries in refining, chemicals, rubber, and plastics. Houston’s spiraling wealth and influence funded the world’s largest medical center and later its most important space center. The story of the Houston Ship Channel is the basis of Houston’s rise to global prominence and the launch of some of the most famous names in business, politics, and society. Light refreshments available before the lecture. Dr. Connor's book The Rise of Houston as a Global City will be available for purchase and signing following the lecture. Free parking is available behind the Museum; accessible from W 23rd St. For more information, visit our website www.nchmuseum.org
