Fidel Castro in Houston

During his trip to Houston, Fidel stayed at the Shamrock Hotel, met with then Mayor Lewis Cutrer, and rancher John Ferguson. He also rode horses and enjoyed barbecue, which he is eating in the photo.

Houstonians filled the streets in droves to see the revolutionary hero, even offering their children to him for kissing. Local businessmen were eager to make deals with Castro, believing he was on the cusp of bringing democracy to Houston.