"The Great Gulf Coast - Sails, Trails and Rails" is exactly as its name states. It is the elucidation of coastal transportation from early times to the present. With the exception of air travel, Ellis's chronicles begin with describing the water vessels that traveled the lakes, bayous, and the Mississippi Sound. In this regard, he unfolds the colonial periods of domination by the French, British, and Spanish. And the flags honoring those nations went through serial changes until 1811, when the first American banner was raised displaying 15 stars and stripes. This flag was presented by Dr. William Flood as he commanded his schooner, the Alligator, in making several stopovers along the Coast. Mississippi went from being a territory to statehood - and its early first settlers experienced the Great Migration and the establishment of the Antebellum era. With the influx of new people, the early coastal towns and cities were primarily engaged in farming, fishing, lumbering, and ship building. As New Orleans and inland plantations became attracted to the health benefits and exotic charm of the Gulf Coast, each of the coastal villages began vying against each other in attracting the rich Louisiana planters and businessmen. Health resorts developed into famed "Watering Places" as grandiose hotels were built to accommodate and entertain the Cream of Southern Society.