This is the first volume in a series of books about historic towns of Texas written by historian, Joe Tom Davis. Volume I covers two capitals of the Republic of Texas, the first major seaport, an important steamboat terminal, an outlaw haven, a significant crossroads settlement, and the ghost of intended Houston. Only one of them survives as a major city today, but they were all important in their glory days. The chapters include: East and West Columbia, Egypt, Matagorda, Houston, Texana, and Helena.

Town histories tend to focus on institutions rather than individuals. This book, however, is about much more than general stores, hotels, banks, and churches. An emphasis is placed on the achievements and exploits of the town founders, builders, and prominent later residents.