J. Edgar Hoover in Austin (1959)

In this footage shot by Gordon Wilkison, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director J. Edgar Hoover speaks before an audience at the Stephen F. Austin Hotel (now the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel) in downtown Austin as part of a fundraiser for the United Fund campaign of Austin and Travis counties. After receiving an introduction by then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, Hoover speaks about the “inspiring experience” of visiting Texas and how it correlates to the values of the United Fund’s cause. He also discusses two of the greatest threats against the United States at the time: crime and communism.