Wise About Texas
146 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 1K ratingsThe Texas History Podcast
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Episodes
EP. 126: An Accidental Victory
March 24, 2024 22:10 - 14 minutes - 17.1 MBAs the winter of 1835 approached, the Texian army lay siege to San Antonio de Bexar. When rumors started that a pack train was approaching the town carrying silver for the troops, the Texians saw opportunity. Riding out to meet the enemy, the Texians were successful...sort of. Learn about this skirmish in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.
The Texas Rangers: Milton H. West- from Ranger to Congressman
January 01, 2024 02:33 - 35 minutes - 40.5 MBMilton H. West had a most interesting career. While investigating the assault of his brother on the Mexican border, he decided to sign up with the Texas Rangers. That got him interested in the law, which got him interested in politics. Every step of the way he was watching out for the people of South Texas. When his career was over, he had changed the face (and the economy) of the Rio Grande Valley. BONUS: An interview with his grandson at the end of the episode.
EP. 124: Texans You Should Know- Sally Skull
October 30, 2023 15:20 - 26 minutes - 29.9 MBSarah Jane Newman grew up tough in a family that came with Austin's Old 300. She watched her mother fight off Indians and became an expert judge of horses. Known as Sally Skull, she could outride, outshoot and outtrade any man. But she also lived at the intersection of history and legend, in a time when most folks would prefer the legend. Hear about the fascinating life of a very interesting Texas woman in this latest episode of Wise About Texas.
EP. 123: The Texas Rangers- Senior Captain Tony Leal (part 2)
August 20, 2023 18:50 - 52 minutes - 59.7 MBAntonio “Tony” Leal served as a Texas Ranger from 1994-2011, including several years as the Senior Captain. In part 2 of an interesting and wide-ranging interview, you will learn about the Ranger service, life as a Ranger and many other interesting and informative things about the modern Ranger service. Senior Captain Leal’s ranching roots go back to an 18th century Spanish land grant on the Rio Grande and he would become the first Hispanic Senior Captain. Enjoy this glimpse into the modern T...
EP. 122: The Texas Rangers- Senior Captain Tony Leal (part 1)
August 07, 2023 20:13 - 50 minutes - 57.9 MBAntonio "Tony" Leal served as a Texas Ranger from 1994-2011, including several years as the Senior Captain. In this interesting and wide-ranging interview, you will learn about the Ranger service, life as a Ranger and many other interesting and informative things about the modern Ranger service. Senior Captain Leal's ranching roots go back to an 18th century Spanish land grant on the Rio Grande and he would become the first Hispanic Senior Captain. Enjoy this glimpse into the modern Texas ...
Bonus Episode: The 72 oz Steak Challenge with James Webb
July 13, 2023 14:09 - 35 minutes - 40.5 MBThe Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo is world famous for its 72 oz. steak challenge. If you can eat a 72 oz steak (that's 4 1/2 pounds!), and all the sides, you get it for free and all the accolades that accompany such a tremendous accomplishment. Many have tried, but only a few have done it. However, Wise About Texas was lucky to be in attendance when an Australian competitive eater named James Webb completed the challenge in six minutes and twenty-eight seconds. That's the second faste...
Ep. 121: A Dead Man’s Horse: The Case of Issac Desha
July 03, 2023 20:27 - 24 minutes - 27.7 MBIssac Desha had a checkered past. Though he was the son of a Governor, something just wasn't right. When he was spotted with a dead man's horse, things got "interesting." He ended up in San Felipe before the revolution but his prospects didn't improve much. Hear about a murder in early Texas in this latest episode of Wise About Texas.
BONUS EPISODE: Celebrating The Texas Ranger Bicentennial
May 18, 2023 00:04 - 25 minutes - 29.2 MB2023 marks the 200th anniversary of one of the most famous law enforcement organizations in the world--The Texas Rangers. In this bonus episode, I talk with Russell Molina and Lacy Finley about all the celebrations scheduled for the Texas Ranger bicentennial. You can find a list of the events at TexasRanger2023.org.
Bonus Episode: A Bad Day at the Courthouse
April 11, 2023 23:12 - 6 minutes - 7.48 MBThe September term of the Bexar County District Court was a bad time to be set for trial. Find out why in this bonus episode of Wise About Texas.
EP. 120: Texas Rangers: “Old Paint” Caldwell
March 30, 2023 17:38 - 33 minutes - 38.3 MBSome people are just natural leaders. That was Matthew "Old Paint" Caldwell. He rallied men for several of the most important battles in Texas history. In between, he protected the young Republic of Texas from hostile Indians and hostile armies. Not even smallpox could bring him down! Hear about one of the early Texas Rangers and great Texas patriot Matthew Caldwell in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.
EP. 119: The Texas Rangers: Origins
January 28, 2023 23:18 - 23 minutes - 26.3 MBTexas Ranger. Two words that strike fear in the heart of the lawbreaker and hope in the heart of the law abiding. Since before there was a Texas, there were Rangers. How this elite force officially began is the subject of some controversy. But 2023 marks the official bicentennial of this unique and important organization. There is no doubt that Stephen F. Austin realized the need to take the fight to the hostile Indians he encountered in his new colony. In this episode, you hear Austin’s...
EP. 118: Texans You Should Know- Osjetea Briggs
January 02, 2023 16:32 - 20 minutes - 23.6 MBShe grew up a poor Native American in rural Texas during the depression. But if you think she even noticed, you don't know Osjetea Briggs. She became a world-renowned photographer, portrait artist and newspaper publisher. Oh, and she was a columnist and politico too. Full of wisdom, she demonstrates the best of Texas grit and determination. Learn about an interesting Texan in this episode of Wise About Texas.
EP. 117: A Murder in the Capitol
October 25, 2022 15:52 - 13 minutes - 15.4 MBThere has been one, and only one, assassination of a Texas state official and it happened in 1903. It occurred in the State Capitol building, the same one you can visit today. Hear about a disgruntled employee, a letter, and a gun in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.
EP 116: I Heard it on the X, Part 2
September 26, 2022 20:55 - 17 minutes - 20.5 MBDr. John Brinkley had figured out how to beat the system and built the most powerful radio station in the world. The entire United States could now hear what he was selling. Music was a big part of that and Border Blaster XERA introduced Americans to gospel, the blues, Tejano...and provided the first nationwide exposure to a family band that would change American music forever. Hear what was on the "X" in this latest episode of Wise About Texas.
EP. 115: I Heard it on the X, Part 1
August 21, 2022 17:47 - 20 minutes - 23.8 MBDr. John Brinkley claimed to have the miracle operation for male "rejuvenation." Dr. John Brinkley was also a quack who bought his medical degree for $100. Nevertheless, he became one of the best-known doctors in the nation. Harnessing the new power of radio, Dr. Brinkley drew thousands to his small clinic in Kansas. But the American Medical Association caught up with him and he had to make a run for the border. So Brinkley came to Texas and, inadvertently, changed American music forever...
Ep. 114: Winging it in Big Bend
July 09, 2022 15:26 - 36 minutes - 41.6 MBIn the 1920s, U.S. military aviation was in its early stages. New uses for air power were discovered frequently. The new flying machines would allow military and civilian authorities to patrol dangerous, remote areas more effectively. Few areas in the U.S. were more remote, or more dangerous, than the Mexican border in far west Texas. Revolution, banditry and violence were commonplace. The military needed an airfield from which to operate, but where? Elmo and Ada Johnson had the the perfect s...
Ep. 113: The Travis County Dog Wars
June 13, 2022 21:55 - 24 minutes - 27.5 MBShortly after the civil war, Appalachia came to Austin. Known as the cedar choppers, migrants from the mountains moved into the limestone hills of western Travis County. They kept to themselves, didn't like outsiders, and loved a good fight. But the city dwellers loved to hunt in the hills. Hunting their game and shooting guns in their hills didn't sit well with the cedar choppers. Finally, dogs started getting shot. When one cedar chopper was brought to trial, we'd see who had the bigg...
EP. 112: A Texas mother- Mary Christian Burleson
May 10, 2022 23:09 - 19 minutes - 22 MBWhat is it about Texas mothers? They are tough, smart, and resourceful. Nothing phases a Texas mom, they can do it all! That was certainly true of Mary Christian Burleson. Mary was a mom to 7 and stepmom to 12. She was a pioneer, a farmer and a stock raiser. She faced hostile Indians and the tragedy of widowhood. She lost a child but raised, educated and inspired even more. She was a businesswoman and education advocate. In short, she saw it all. Oh, and she founded a town. Learn about a rema...
EP. 111: The Easter Fires of Fredericksburg
April 16, 2022 22:44 - 10 minutes - 11.9 MBEvery Easter Eve, the hill country around Fredericksburg comes alive with huge bonfires. Some say this tradition came from Germany, some say the Indians started it, and some say the Easter Bunny is doing some cooking. Hear about the Fredericksburg Easter fires in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.
EP. 110: A Goliad Survivor?
April 05, 2022 21:13 - 21 minutes - 24.8 MBMarch 27, 1836 was Palm Sunday, a holy day. But the Mexican dictator Santa Anna didn't care, he was out for blood. He ordered hundreds of Texian prisoners executed in cold blood at the Presidio La Bahia at Goliad. The prisoners were split into groups and marched away from the fort. The soldiers proceeded to kill all the prisoners...or did they. Hear a harrowing tale of survival and freedom in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.
Ep 109: Alamo Defenders- Dr. Amos Pollard
March 03, 2022 20:29 - 15 minutes - 17.8 MBDr. Amos Pollard was a Massachusetts yankee seeking a new start and prosperity in Texas. He dared the Mexican army to "come and take it," and served as an army doctor during the siege of Bexar. He would die defending the Alamo. Dr. Pollard wanted freedom for Texas and a chance to make an impact for the good of the country. Learn about this Alamo hero in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.
Ep. 108: Alamo Defenders- Toribio Losoya
February 27, 2022 18:07 - 16 minutes - 18.9 MBThe Alamo defenders were heroes, but not everyone gets top billing. Hear the stories of some of the defenders that you may not think of when you remember the Alamo. This episode is about Alamo hero Toribio Losoya.
Ep. 107: Texans You Should Know- Anna Mebus Martin
January 25, 2022 15:50 - 18 minutes - 21 MBShe arrived from Germany with very little, not even speaking English. She braved indian attacks, frontier outlaws and a civil war to become a cattle queen and a bank president. Learn about a great Texas entrepreneur in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.
Ep. 106: A Lea Family Tragedy
January 16, 2022 20:54 - 21 minutes - 25.1 MBThe Lea family were patriots. Father Albert Lea was born in Tennessee and served in the Army after graduating West Point. He went on to serve in various capacities by appointment of several different presidents. His son attended the Naval academy and shot through the ranks as a Naval Officer. But as the civil war approached, patriotism stood to pit father against son as each had to choose which country to fight for. They would meet again, however, on the field of battle. Learn the tragi...
EP. 105: The Indian Trial Part 3: The Trial
December 08, 2021 00:50 - 44 minutes - 50.7 MBThe trial of the century would be held in the old sandstone courthouse in Jacksboro. Finally, justice would be served...or would it? Fiery arguments, quick verdicts, legal wrangling, and back room negotiations would end the raiding, or so some thought. Ultimately, justice would be a moving target in this first-of-its kind case. Find out what happened in this final episode of the Indian Trial series.
BONUS EPISODE: Villa de Austin
November 01, 2021 23:37 - 46 minutes - 53 MBThe Texas Historical Commission is creating the opportunity to step back in time and visit the capital of Austin's colony, San Felipe de Austin. Reproductions of some of the town buildings will now sit mere yards from their original locations. Find out about this exciting new project from the project historian Michael Rugeley Moore in this bonus episode of Wise About Texas.
Ep. 105 The Indian Trial Part 2: The Raid
October 24, 2021 22:38 - 35 minutes - 40.2 MBGeneral Sherman toured northern Texas to see just how bad the Indian raiding was. He had his doubts. What he didn't know was just how close he came to a first-hand encounter! The party crossing the Salt Creek Prairie right after Sherman wouldn't be so lucky. As the Kiowa swept down toward Henry Warren's wagon train, the teamsters tried to circle the wagons. They didn't make it. The Indians were proud of their accomplishment but they would soon regret it. The American legal system kicked...
EP. 105: The Indian Trial Part 1: People, Places, and Policy
October 05, 2021 18:21 - 40 minutes - 46.5 MBThe western frontier of Texas moved backwards during the Civil War. Indian raids pushed the settlers toward safer ground. After the war, the raiding had become so bad that something had to be done. The federal government thought leading with diplomacy would solve the problem but the Texans wanted military action. An 1871 attack on a wagon train and the subsequent efforts to impose the rule of law on the frontier proved a turning point in U.S./Indian relations. Ripped from today's headline...
Ep. 104: The Great Pearl Rush
September 09, 2021 14:46 - 13 minutes - 15.2 MBFreshwater pearls have always been valuable finds, but one man found one in 1909 that was said to be worth a ton of money! All of a sudden, East Texas experienced a pearl boom. One person reported watching a thousand people combing lake bottoms hoping to strike it rich. Hear about the East Texas pearl frenzy in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.
EP. 103: A Fair Likeness?
August 03, 2021 21:59 - 21 minutes - 24.2 MBIn the early 1920's, the City of Houston was building what would come to be known as Hermann Park. Its centerpiece was to be a statue of Sam Houston. Enrico Cerracchio won the contract and his creation was lauded nationwide. But one person really didn't like it...Sam Houston's son. He hated it so much, a Judge had to get involved. Hear about the story of Sam's statue in this episode of Wise About Texas.
BONUS EPISODE: The Juneteenth Legacy Project with Sam Collins III
June 26, 2021 14:52 - 22 minutes - 25.7 MBGalveston native Sam Collins III had a vision to bring Texas history and the Juneteenth story to its home in a grand way. Enlisting the help of a team of artists, technology experts, and the Galveston community, the Juneteenth Legacy Project came to life at the very site where General Granger issued General Order No. 3. Learn about Galveston's newest civic asset and the need for more Texas history, not less, from Sam Collins III in this bonus episode of Wise About Texas.
Ep. 102: Juneteenth and the Celebration of Freedom
June 19, 2021 16:50 - 45 minutes - 51.9 MBOn June 19, 1865, union general Gordon Granger landed in Galveston and issued some general orders. His General Order No. 3 informed the people of Texas that all the slaves in Texas were now free. Since then, "Juneteenth" has been celebrated in Texas as the anniversary of emancipation. Juneteenth became an official Texas state holiday in 1980. In 2021, the U.S. followed Texas' lead and now a fateful day in Texas history is a holiday for the entire nation. Learn the history behind the eman...
Ep. 101: The San Jacinto Battle Flag
June 01, 2021 22:11 - 15 minutes - 17.2 MBThe victorious Texians only carried one flag into the Battle of San Jacinto. It was a gift from the citizens of Newport, Kentucky to Sidney Sherman. After the revolution, the flag was sent back to Kentucky. But after several decades, the flag found its permanent home. Learn the fate of the San Jacinto battle flag in this episode of Wise About Texas.
EP. 100: The San Jacinto Monument(s)
April 21, 2021 21:52 - 23 minutes - 26.5 MBThe San Jacinto monument stands 567 feet over a battleground upon which a ragtag army changed the trajectory of world history. A few hundred Texians surprised the President of Mexico and his army in an afternoon attack on April 21, 1836. Eighteen minutes later, the Texians had won their revolution against the tyrannical Santa Anna, who had run away in fear. The San Jacinto monument, begun in 1936 and completed in 1939, stands as a reminder of this glorious victory. But while it's the bigg...
Ep. 99: A Letter From Goliad
March 28, 2021 23:28 - 10 minutes - 11.5 MBOn March 27, 1836, several hundred Texian soldiers were brutally murdered on the orders of Santa Anna. One of them, John C. Logan, left us two letters. The first was written at a time of optimism and victory. The second reflected the hard conditions suffered by many in the Texian army. These two letters provide a quick glimpse into the experiences of the brave men who fought for Texas freedom. Hear the reflections of Texian soldier John C. Logan in this episode of Wise About Texas.
Ep. 98: Writing Texas History with James L. Haley
March 02, 2021 14:50 - 42 minutes - 48.5 MBJames L. Haley is one of Texas' finest writers. He has written a preeminent biography of Sam Houston, an award winning narrative history of Texas called Passionate Nation as well as several works of fiction, also very highly regarded. But we Texans take our history very seriously, so writing historical fiction about Texas can be a risky endeavor. James Haley delivers. His latest work is a naval adventure series featuring American naval officer Bliven Putnam. In the fourth book, Captain Putnam...
Ep. 97: Victory or Death-The Travis Letter
February 24, 2021 20:05 - 8 minutes - 9.43 MBFrom February 23, 1836 through its fall on March 6, the Mexican army lay siege to the Alamo. William Barrret Travis wrote several letters during the siege but one stands above all others. On February 24, 1836, Travis dispatched a letter "To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World." This letter would become one of the most famous, inspirational, and heroically tragic missives in history. Remember the Alamo in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.
EP. 96: The All-Woman Supreme Court
January 31, 2021 19:16 - 21 minutes - 24.5 MBIn 1925, there were only a few women lawyers in Texas. But women still couldn't serve as jurors and nobody dreamed there would ever be a female judge. Then a real estate lawsuit came to the Texas Supreme Court involving a mutual life insurance company called the Woodmen of the World. At the time, every member of the Supreme Court of Texas was a member of the Woodmen of the World, so were disqualified from hearing the case. That left Governor Pat Neff with a problem. He had to appoint judg...
EP. 95: Texas Towns: Welcome to Provident City!
January 04, 2021 21:01 - 28 minutes - 33.2 MBIn the early 20th century, Texas had room to grow. Like the empresarios of the early 1800's, real estate drove efforts to settle new Texans. But not all developers were honest. Promises of historically productive land, railroads and pleasant temperatures lured many to the coastal prairie. Towns were built...and towns died. One in particular was billed as a farming paradise. Two crops a year plus a railroad on its way. Hundreds came to Texas to establish this paradise, appropriately nam...
EP. 94: The Texas Rangers–East Texas Troubles
December 14, 2020 15:44 - 36 minutes - 42.8 MBSan Augustine had a crime problem in the 1930’s. A semi-organized gang was preying on the black community and something had to be done. The problem was compounded by a corrupt governor who had all but destroyed the Rangers. But new Governor James V Allred cleaned up the Texas Ranger force and restored it to its rightful place as one of the nation’s premier law enforcement organizations. Then he sent them to San Augustine. The Rangers cleaned up the town and broke down some Jim Crow barriers. ...
Ep. 93: The Free State of Van Zandt
November 23, 2020 18:11 - 16 minutes - 18.9 MBTexans love their freedom. At the door of a hat, we'll declare independence and the fight is on! For years, folks have referred to Van Zandt County as the "free state of Van Zandt." How did this come about? Was it taxes, or was it the civil war? In this episode we'll look at three of the most common stories about how a certain East Texas county came to be known as a free state.
Ep. 92: I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas
October 19, 2020 15:07 - 9 minutes - 11 MBTexas one of only 17 states that has a pledge of allegiance to its flag. But some would say Texas is the only state that deserves it. Hear a quick take on the Texas pledge of allegiance in this episode of Wise About Texas.
Ep. 91: The Secret Court of the Republic of Texas
September 07, 2020 18:23 - 29 minutes - 34.6 MBIn April, 1836, Texas went to war with the United States by capturing an American ship in the service of Mexico. After the battle of San Jacinto, an international relations nightmare loomed. President David Burnet had to find some way to hold a trial. Without a constitution, laws, courts or judges, Burnet took matters into his own hands and created the Judicial District of Brazos. Judge Benjamin Cromwell Franklin decided the case, then kept the court open! Before the people elected a pre...
EP. 90: Cozumel, Texas?
August 24, 2020 00:11 - 14 minutes - 17.7 MBDuring 1837, the Mexican government was still reeling from the successful Texas revolution. Bent on reconquering Texas, an army massed at Matamoros. The Secretary of the Texas Navy knew that Texas could keep Mexico at bay by attacking its ports and shipping. Sam Houston, however, thought the Texas Navy an unnecessary extravagance. Despite the President's orders, Secretary of the Navy Samual Fisher ordered the ships to sea. One day, they landed at Cozumel...
Ep. 89: Texas Attacks Oklahoma!
July 12, 2020 20:50 - 14 minutes - 17.4 MBDuring World War II, Texas played an important role in training pilots and bomber crews. The city of Dalhart contributed to the war effort by building an airfield. Practice bombing missions took place over the panhandle by the famous B-17, B-24, and later the B-29. One night in 1943, a young B-17 crew set out on a 40 mile round trip to bomb a lit square on the practice range. 50 miles later, they bombed Boise City, Oklahoma! Hear more about the night Texas attacked Oklahoma in the latest...
EP. 88: Texas Pandemics
June 22, 2020 18:43 - 40 minutes - 46.6 MBThe 2020 coronavirus pandemic has been a trying time for Texans. But we've been through much worse. The harsh climate, tropical ports, lack of medicine, etc. has resulted in Texans enduring several pandemics and epidemics through the years. From yellow fever to cholera to smallpox, it seems as though we've seen it all. Texas is sometimes a tough place to live, but Texans have always been tougher. Hear some stories from prior pandemics in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.
Ep. 87- Texans You Should Know: Kenneth Threadgill
May 31, 2020 16:44 - 20 minutes - 24.3 MBAustin is famous for its music scene. Willie, Waylon, Jerry Jeff and so many others helped Austin become weird. But before any of them there was Kenneth Threadgill. A preacher's son, Threadgill loved music. He especially loved Jimmie Rogers and his yodel. Threadgill opened a tavern that provided musicians a place to play, and college kids a place to listen. Kenneth Threadgill and his hootenanies gave many Austin musicians their start, and launched one hippie girl to superstardom. Hear ...
Ep. 86: Exploring the Texas Revolution- The San Jacinto Battleground
May 03, 2020 18:44 - 26 minutes - 30.5 MBIn April, 1836, two armies converged at Peggy McCormick's ranch on the banks of the San Jacinto River. In just 18 minutes, the Texian Army routed Santa Anna and the portion of the Mexican Army he commanded. Texas was free! Almost immediately, the area was revered as hallowed ground in the history of Texas. Visitors clamored to see the place where Sam Houston and the Texians claimed victory in what has been described as one of the most consequential battles in world history...the Battle of...
EP. 85: Exploring the Texas Revolution–Presidio La Bahia
April 24, 2020 14:00 - 26 minutes - 30.6 MBOriginally established in 1721 along the banks of the Guadalupe river, Presidio La Bahia was moved to its present location along the banks of the San Antonio river in 1749. Since then it has been a critical location for worship, trade, protection, battle and commerce. The presidio has been taken and re-taken as Texas has earned its reputation as one of the most contested places in North America. Perhaps it's best known as James Fannin's headquarters before his ill-fated attempt to reach Vi...
Ep. 84: Exploring the Texas Revolution–The Fannin Battleground
April 18, 2020 00:13 - 18 minutes - 21.4 MBJames Fannin fancied himself an accomplished military commander. But in March of 1836 he had trouble deciding where and when to move. He finally headed for Victoria but decided to stop and feed his animals. Fannin didn't realize how close the Mexican army was but he soon found out. Surrounded, without supplies, desperate, Fannin surrendered to Mexican General Urrea. The battleground where Fannin surrendered was the third historic site acquired by the State of Texas, right after the Alamo ...