Texas HistoryToday in Texas History: ‘Opening Gun’ of the Texas Revolution Fired at Nacogdoches
Brad JohnsonAugust 2, 2021
Some seeds of discord that blossomed into the Texas Revolution were planted at Nacogdoches in 1832.
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Texas HistoryToday in Texas History: Thomas Rusk Elected Convention President Ahead of Annexation to United States
Daniel FriendJuly 4, 2021
On July 4, 1845, a convention of delegates met in Austin to begin drafting a constitution for Texas to join the United States.
Lone Star LifeTexas HistoryToday in Texas History: Juneteenth Becomes a Native Holiday
Isaiah MitchellJune 19, 2021
Texas became the first state to celebrate the holiday after being one of the last states to officially hear the Emancipation Proclamation.
Texas HistoryToday in Texas History: The ‘Angel of Goliad,’ Francita Alavez, Saves Texian Soldiers from Massacre
Brad JohnsonMarch 27, 2021
The men who escaped the Goliad massacre 185 years ago today pointed to one flesh and blood savior: "The Angel of Goliad."
On this day in 1901, the future of Texas changed dramatically as, like a fountain of fortune, thousands of barrels of oil burst from the earth toward the sky.
Texas HistoryToday in Texas History: 175 Years Ago the United States Annexed the Lone Star Republic
Daniel FriendDecember 29, 2020
The State of Texas was officially created 175 years ago when the Lone Star Republic was annexed into the United States.
Civil SocietyTexas HistoryThe Cowboys’ Christmas Ball: A Festive Texas Poem
Daniel FriendDecember 25, 2020
After visiting a Christmas dance in Anson during the 1880s, William Lawrence Chittenden penned the poem titled “The Cowboys’ Christmas Ball.”
Texas HistoryThanksgiving Throwback: 1921 A&M v. UT Game Launched College Football Radio Broadcasting
Brad JohnsonNovember 26, 2020
College football radio broadcasts can trace their roots to a 1921 rivalry clash at Kyle Field.
Texas HistoryToday in Texas History: John Henry Moore Leads Texian Militia at Battle of Gonzales
Brad JohnsonOctober 2, 2020
In the spark that lit the fuse of the Texas Revolution, John Henry Moore and his band of militiamen stood athwart a dispatch of Mexican soldiers hellbent on confiscating a small cannon. The Texian's message was clear: "Come and Take It."
Texas HistoryTexas History: Record Nine Brothers in Dayton Family Fought in WWII
Brad JohnsonJuly 3, 2020
The Ripkowski family of Dayton, Texas holds the record for the most brothers having served in the Second World War, and every one made it home safely.
IssuesTexas HistoryThe 20 World War II Medal of Honor Recipients from Texas Who Gave Their Lives in Battle
Daniel FriendMay 25, 2020
Twenty heroic Texan soldiers who were awarded the Medal of Honor gave their lives defending America during World War II. Here are their stories.
Texas HistoryToday in Texas History: Congress Declares War on Mexico Over Texas Border Dispute
Brad JohnsonMay 13, 2020
A skirmish in the Nueces Strip sparked a two-year war over land between the United States and Mexico — with the newly-annexed Texas found right in the middle.
Civil SocietyIssuesMargaret Lea Houston, the First Lady of the Republic of Texas
Kim RobertsMay 10, 2020
This Mother's Day — read the story of Margaret Lea Houston, mother of eight and the first First Lady of the Republic of Texas.
Civil SocietyLone Star LifeTexas HistoryToday in Texas History: Texans Win Independence at the Battle of San Jacinto
Daniel FriendApril 21, 2020
Read Sam Houston's detailed account of the Battle of San Jacinto, where Texas independence was effectively secured after the capture of Santa Anna.
Texas HistoryKeeping it Cool: A History of Air Conditioning in the Lone Star State
Kim RobertsApril 2, 2020
Spring in Texas means bluebonnets, pollen, thunderstorms, and skyrocketing temperatures. Here's a look at how air conditioning was introduced to Texas.
Civil SocietyLone Star LifeTexas HistoryToday in Texas History: Massacre at Goliad
Brad JohnsonMarch 27, 2020
On March 27, 1836, over 350 Texian soldiers were murdered by Mexican firing squads near Goliad after having surrendered days earlier. This galvanized Texians and led to victory in their war for independence.
Civil SocietyLone Star LifeTexas HistoryToday in Texas History: Remembering the Alamo 184 Years Later
Sarah McConnellMarch 6, 2020
Almost two centuries have passed since the Battle of the Alamo, but Texans still honor those who gave their lives in the fight that galvanized the Texas Revolution.
Lone Star LifeTexas HistoryToday in Texas History: Texas Declares Independence from Mexico
Daniel FriendMarch 2, 2020
184 years ago today, delegates to the Convention of 1836 signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, proclaiming, ”Our Political Connection with the Mexican Nation has Forever Ended.”
Civil SocietyLone Star LifeTexas HistoryThe Santa Who Tried to Steal Christmas: A Story of A Failed Texas Bank Robbery
Daniel FriendDecember 23, 2019
Two days before Christmas in 1927, a group of four bandits — with the leader dressed as Santa Claus — tried to rob the bank in Cisco, but the heist didn't go as smoothly as they had planned.
GunsTexas HistoryCome and Take It: The Cannon Heard Around the World is Still Ringing Today
Daniel FriendOctober 2, 2019
If you're visiting or new to Texas, you might wonder what that "Come and Take It" flag is about. Here's the story behind it.