Tag Archives: Texas history

Texas entry requirements

J.D., over at Mouth of the Brazos, has a cool idea to help winnow out some of these refugees from the Democrat economy who keep flooding into Texas—especially, for me, the Californicators:

“I have been daydreaming lately about mandatory criteria to move to Texas. I would welcome any additions to my nascent list.

“1. Watch or read the mini-series or book series of Lonesome Dove. Written, closed-book, exams will be done at the driver’s license bureau. If you make less than 50% on the quiz – no license.”

My suggested “No. 2. Explain the history of the Revolution, especially the timeline of the Alamo and Travis’s letters, and have the Victory or Death one memorized. Extra points for timelines of Goliad and San Jacinto. Less than 80% – no license.”

Any other suggestions out there?

UPDATE:  Here’s one newcomer who can skip these requirements. Considering that Toyota is bringing its own jobs along.

Adelsverein: The Harvesting

As I am with all good books, I was very sorry when this one was over. This conclusion of the 2008 trilogy really wasn’t enough for me. How about a fourth book? Or more? Hayes loves her characters and makes us love them, too, and so we long to learn how the new generations will fare.

It helps to be versed in Texas history as she deftly insinuates her Germans and Americans into a lot of it, including in this volume the early cattle drives, the Indianola and Galveston hurricanes, and the tragic readjustment problems of some of the kidnap victims of the murderous Comanches. I am surprised to find just two Amazon reviews for the book. At least the sales ranks indicate that it and one and two are selling. They deserve a wide audience, particularly in Texas where they will best be appreciated. Bravo.

Happy Texas Independence Day

It’s happy now. Wasn’t on this day in 1836. The Alamo was under siege by the Mexican thousands and the Texians, despite today’s issuance of their proclamation of Texas independence, were about as disorganized and fractious as you might expect a fledgling government and its ad hoc military to be.

Four days from now, with the fall of the Alamo, and not long afterward with the horrific massacre at Goliad, the prospect of hanging would fix all their minds remarkably on their country-making goals. The victory at San Jacinto would follow and Texas would be a newly independent Republic.

The Old Stage Coach of The Plains

oldstagecoach-lg.jpg

The coming of the Butterfield Stage Line to Texas. Frederick Remington painting, Amon Carter Museum, Fort Worth. From the great Texas history site Texas Beyond History, found here.

Going to bed Remembering the Alamo

That’s what kids around the world are doing these days, thanks to the Handbook of Texas Online: "…a trailblazing resource about all things Texas." It’s also, just plain fun to read. And more is coming. Watch the video, pard.