Come and Take It

We continue our discussion of the History presentation of Texas Rising. This week we talk about the second installment, entitled Fate and Fury.

Today we begin our discussion of the History event mini-series Texas Rising. What did they get right? What did they get wrong? What does this mean for awareness of Texas history?

In the 1820s, Davy Crockett transitioned from frontier scout to politician, and became one of the most famous men in America.

Davy Crockett is known as an iconic Texan, but he was only in the territory for seven weeks at the end of his life. We start our three-part discussion of this Texas legend by looking at his early life in the wilderness of Tennessee.

Every one of the United States—including Texas—has its share of strange tourist attractions. Join us on a virtual road trip across the Lone Star State as we examine some of its more peculiar sights and experiences.

After doing as much as anyone else to achieve victory for Texans during its revolution, Sam Houston shepherded the young Republic through its turbulent decade of independence, and continued to serve his beloved Texas into the disruption of secession and the Civil War.

In many ways the father of Texas, Sam Houston’s role in the Texas Revolution started even before the first shot was fired. Houston was the most important figure in the Revolution, shouldering the burden of leading the Texas Army and eventually leading it to ultimate victory. He played a critical role in shaping and guiding the fledgling nation and leading it into the Union. Part Two covers the zenith of Sam Houston's life and legend.

Commander of the Republic of Texas Army, first President of the Republic of Texas, Senator and governor of the State of Texas, Sam Houston is arguably the most influential man in Texas history. But he was a giant figure long before setting foot in Texas. Though it is overshadowed by his life in Texas, his early life in Tennessee would undoubtedly have made him a well known historical figure. The path he took to fame and to Texas would lead him from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, but the destiny of The Raven would be realized in the Lone Star State.

An illicit love affair, murderous bushwhacking, and a trial that ends in a riot all sound like stuff that belongs in a Hollywood western. But they’re also part of the Boyce-Sneed Feud, the last of the famous blood feuds of Old Texas. It was truly the end of an era.

One of the great captains of the Texas Rangers, Samuel Walker rode with John Coffee Hays, Bigfoot Wallace, and Creed Taylor. He fought Indians, bandits, and Mexicans. He distinguished himself as a fierce fighter who charged fearlessly into battle ahead of the men he led. Waker's greatest achievement, perhaps, was the creation of the Walker Colt, the most powerful revolver of its time.