San Antonio was founded 300 years ago in 1718.  From day one, the residents, priests and soldiers faced a constant and menacing threat from the Apache Indians.  Raids from the indians and retaliatory campaigns from the soldiers made life in early San Antonio stressful and difficult.  Attempts at peace never seemed to work.  But all of a sudden, in 1749, the Apache wanted not only to make peace, but also to enter mission life and convert to Christianity.  The reason for the Apache's sudden change of heart is a matter of perspective.  But rather than look a gift horse in the mouth, the Spanish held a grand peace ceremony in San Antonio's main plaza, the likes of which has never been seen in North America.  Learn about this unique event in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

Ep. 58:  Burying the Hatchet in San Antonio

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As  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.

EP. 126:  An Accidental Victory


Milton 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.  

The Texas Rangers: Milton H. West- from Ranger to Congressman


Sarah 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. 124:  Texans You Should Know- Sally Skull


Antonio “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 Texas Rangers from Senior Captain Tony Leal.

EP. 123:  The Texas Rangers- Senior Captain Tony Leal (part 2)


Antonio "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 Rangers from Senior Captain Tony Leal.

Ep. 58: Burying the Hatchet in San Antonio

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