We think and talk a lot about the Republic of Texas (I hope). But what are we talking about? Most of the early settlement in Mexican Texas was east of the Colorado River and extended up the river as far as La Grange. The battles of the Texas Revolution took place in San Antonio and ended at San Jacinto. So we have a Republic, but how big is it? What are its borders? Well, it depended on who you asked. Here’s a fun fact: If you go to Colorado this summer, as so many Texans do, you’re probably never leaving the old Republic of Texas. But a claim isn’t enough–you better control it. Find out if your summer vacation ever really involves leaving Texas in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

250 years ago, the “American Experiment” began, with the result being the freest and most successful nation in the history of the world. The American Revolution, like the Texas Revolution, was the unlikeliest of victories. But a victory it was, and Texas played a significant role. This episode celebrates America’s birthday by looking at the role Texas played in one of the most transformative events in world history.

There is nothing prettier than a river flowing gently through the canyons of the Texas hill country. But traveling along the river can be treacherous. The canyon walls are steep and rocky. The path is narrow and the drop steep. Is the beauty worth the pain? The German settlers sure thought so. In this episode, we discuss just one of many “river roads” in Texas and the rich history that unfolds along the trail. Load up for a Texas road trip in this episode of Wise About Texas.

The podcast has a good problem. There are so many listeners and downloads I had to move the podcast to a new RSS feed. There should not be any interruption, but if you notice that you may not be getting all the new episodes, please go re-subscribe through your desired podcast platform. Thanks for listening to Wise About Texas!

Governor Richard Coke was sworn in at the point of several guns. His supporters protected his impromptu ceremony on the second floor of the Capitol from his defeated opponent’s supporters on the first floor. But once in office, he changed Texas for the better. Balanced budgets and Texas A&M, among other things. Learn more about this influential Texan in this interview with his descendant, Rosser Coke Newton, author of the new book “Richard Coke: Texan.”

Here at Wise About Texas world headquarters we love our golf. Texas has made, and continues to make, an outsized impact in the world of golf. With over 100 yers of Texas golf history, I plan on doing some episodes on the subject and share the story of Texas golf. In this episode, you’ll hear about why this matters and what you can do to help the effort. Give it a listen and let me know your thoughts at [email protected].

In part 2 of the interview with Dr. John Adams, we learn more about Governor Oran Roberts’ significant contribution to Texas public higher education.

Oran Roberts started his legal career in Texas. From lawyer to District Judge to the Supreme Court (twice), and even the Governor’s Mansion, Governor Oran Roberts seemed to be involved in every important aspect of Texas government and society. He can be called, fairly, the father of Texas public higher education. In this episode, we learn about the “Old Alcalde’s” background and service prior to the Civil War. Dr. John Adams has published a new book on Governor Roberts that, for the first time, provides wonderful insight into a dedicated public servant doing his best during a turbulent period in Texas history.

In 1836, the Texians faced a huge refugee crisis. Mexican general Santa Anna intended to wage a terror campaign against the civilian population as he had done in other Mexican states. In a panic, the citizens of Texas grabbed only what they could carry and fled east. What ensued was a refugee crisis of epic proportions. In this episode, I interview Dr. Stephen Hardin, the author of a recent book Texian Exodus: The Runaway Scrape and its Enduring Legacy. Dr. Hardin discusses these events and their considerable impact on the formation of the Texan identity.

Most are familiar with William Barret Travis’ letters from the Alamo, espcially his February 24th letter promising “Victory or Death!” But could there hqave been others? Did the defenders write their families? Did those letters survive? We examine that possibility in this episode of Wise About Texas.