Wise About Texas

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Ep. 21: Texans You Should Know: Temple Lea Houston Aug 01, 2016

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Meet Temple Lea Houston, youngest son of Texas hero Sam Houston and one of Texas's first great trial lawyers. He was known for his quick mind, a silver tongue, fancy dress and a fast gun. All of those were helpful in the early courtrooms of Texas. He turned down the chance for high political office in exchange for the excitement of frontier justice. He also delivered one of the greatest closing arguments in history. Come to court in frontier Texas and get Wise About Texas. Temple Lea Houston The Brigham monument at San Jacinto Dedication of the new state capitol building 1888 Happy hour in Tascosa, Texas back in the old days The old stone courthouse in Mobeetie Temple Houston about 1890

Ep. 20: Island Time: San Jose, Mustang and Matagorda Jul 18, 2016

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In the middle of a hot Texas summer, let's head for the beach! San Jose Island is bordered by Matagorda to the north and Mustang to the south. Texas barrier islands all have their unique stories and San Jose is no different. It has seen explorers, ranchers, entrepreneurs and soldiers. These islands together hold the last of an endangered species as well as the first private space flight. Learn how San Jose island, and its neighbors, played an important role in U.S. political history. FDR tours San Jose Island FDR fishing near Port Aransas The presidential yacht USS Potomac LBJ meets FDR

Ep. 19: Cowboy Christmas: Rodeo in Texas Jul 04, 2016

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Merry Christmas...that's Cowboy Christmas of course. July 4 is called Cowboy Christmas because of all the great rodeos held around the 4th of July holiday. In this episode we take a look at the history of rodeo going all the way back to the 16th century. Learn how the modern sport of rodeo evolved from old Mexico to modern day Texas. It all seemed to happen on and around July 4! Saddle up and hang on for a great ride through Texas history and learn about the surprise 1843 rodeo that led to an indian peace treaty! Striking rodeo cowboys at Boston Garden Florear de la reata Jack Hays in 1844, when he organized the comanche rodeo in San Antonio Jaripeo gone very wrong! Prescott rodeo bronc ride Charro pulling a bull's tail

Ep. 18: Texas Towns: Texana Jun 13, 2016

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In the first of a new series on Texas Towns we take a look at the town of Texana, once a booming Texas port city, now claimed by the water she once commanded. The monument in the Brackenridge family cemetery Augustus Allen cursed Texana after his purchase attempt failed The Brackenridge family The courthouse in Edna John S. Menefee grave The Texana Church Marker for old Texana

Ep. 17: A Duel for Command of the Texas Army, 1837 May 31, 2016

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Two generals decided to fight a duel to decide who would command the Texas Army. Find out what happened and whether a wound suffered in the duel eventually affected the outcome of the Civil War! Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston, CSA Gen. Felix Huston Dueling pistols belonging to Mirabeau B. Lamar Ravine where Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston died at Shiloh

Ep. 16: Texans You Should Know: Gen. Thomas Jefferson Chambers May 16, 2016

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In the first episode of a periodic series on Texans you should know, learn about the interesting, active and controversial life of General Thomas Jefferson Chambers. Lawyer, surveyor, judge, land baron. Chambers had an entrepeneurial spirit and a nose for a deal. Was he a smart business man or an unscrupulous dealer? No matter what you conclude, he is certainly a Texan you should know! General Thomas Jefferson Chambers

Ep. 15: The Crash at Crush! Apr 26, 2016

Show notes

Crush, Texas was the second largest city in Texas for a few hours in September, 1896. Learn about a Texas-sized publicity stunt that was the biggest and, unfortunately the deadliest in Texas history. It was a train wreck in more ways than one. Travel back to the glory days of rail travel and learn about the great "Crash at Crush!" The gladiators before the battle William George Crush Impact! Impact! The aftermath

Bonus Episode: The Battle of San Jacinto Apr 21, 2016

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Review the battle of San Jacinto. 18 minutes that changed the world. View of the battleground. The Texians advanced from upper left to lower right. Diagram of the battle Santa Anna Surrenders

Ep. 14: The Road to San Jacinto Apr 12, 2016

Show notes

After the fall of the Alamo and the massacre at Goliad, times in Texas were uncertain at best. General Sam Houston took the army on a retreat to the east. In this episode learn how the Texian army made it to San Jacinto and some of the side stories and important questions raised during that time. Follow the Texian army as it marches across Texas to its destiny at San Jacinto. Sam Houston Pamelia Mann takes her oxen back The runaway scrape Allegedly, but not likely, the "whichway tree"

Ep. 13: The Goliad Massacre Mar 29, 2016

Show notes

One of the darkest events in Texas history was the massacre of the Texians at Goliad. Learn stories of deceit, escape and even kindness in the midst of sorrow in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

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