
Shortly 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 bigger claim to Travis County.  Learn about the Travis County dog wars in the latest episode of Wise About Texas. 

Ep. 113: The Travis County Dog Wars

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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. 113: The Travis County Dog Wars

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