Merry Christmas...that's Cowboy Christmas of course.  July 4 is called Cowboy Christmas because of all the great rodeos held around the 4th of July holiday.  In this episode we take a look at the history of rodeo going all the way back to the 16th century.  Learn how the modern sport of rodeo evolved from old Mexico to modern day Texas.  It all seemed to happen on and around July 4!  Saddle up and hang on for a great ride through Texas history and learn about the surprise 1843 rodeo that led to an indian peace treaty!

Striking rodeo cowboys at Boston Garden

Florear de la reata

Jack Hays in 1844, when he organized the comanche rodeo in San Antonio

Jaripeo gone very wrong!

Prescott rodeo bronc ride

Charro pulling a bull's tail

 



 

Ep. 19: Cowboy Christmas:  Rodeo in Texas

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The American Buffalo, or Bison, is an iconic image of America.  At one point, millions of these huge animals roamed the continent.  But settlement and commercial hunting rendered the bison all but extinct.  Thanks to the forward thinking of a few cattlemen, the species was saved.  But the early twentieth century was a sporting time, and certain questions needed answers.  To a few folks from Texas, Mexico, and North Dakota, the burning question was which animal was tougher--a Mexican fighting bull or a buffalo?  Well, now we know.  Hear the story of an epic battle in this episode of Wise About Texas. 

EP. 127: Clash of the Titans


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. 19: Cowboy Christmas: Rodeo in Texas

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