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.