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.

In 1832, things in Texas were chaotic to say the least. There was conflict between centralists and federalists on two fronts. The Texas settlers wanted their freedoms and opposed the chaos that was the Mexican government. Within the Mexican government, there was conflict between Mexico City and the state governments. Trouble was brewing. In Anahuac, Col. Juan Davis Bradburn added fuel to the fire by jailing first and asking questions later. He jailed a State Commissioner, then he arrested William B. Travis. Disturbances ensued…and revolution was near. Hear about the Anahuac Disturbances in this episode of Wise About Texas.

There is no more popular symbol of the Texas spirit and the Texas revolution than the famous “Come and Take It” flag. It’s reproduced on all sorts of merchandise and displayed prominently all over Texas. But was there really such a flag at the Battle of Gonzales in 1835? I examine this question in this latest episode of Wise About Texas.

Northeastern New Mexico was a hotbed (pun intended) of volcanic activity. Over time, those volcanoes became extinct. But one still served a very important purpose for Texas trail drivers. Learn about a very interesting trail marker in this episode of Wise About Texas.