INTRODUCTION
How much do you really know about Texas?
Sure, you know that Texas is a state thats chock full of state pride. You know that its an oil state and is home to the Dallas Cowboys. But what else do you really know about it?
By now, youve most likely heard about the Texas Revolution and the Battle of the Alamo. You probably know of Davy Crockett and you may have even heard that he died during the Battle of the Alamo, but do you know what really happened to him?
Have you ever wondered how Texas came to be known as the Lone Star State? Do you know who first discovered Texas? Do you know how many different flags have flown over Texas?
Youve heard of Bush family legacy, but do you know which United States presidents were actually born in Texas?
Do you know about some of the paranormal folklore and unsolved mysteries of the state? Are you aware of odd sci-fi phenomenon that is believed to have occurred here?
If you have ever wondered about any of these things or more, then this book is for you! Its full of stories about Texass history.
This isnt your typical book about Texas. It will guide you through some of the historical events and facts that have formed Texas into the incredible state it is today. Youll learn facts about the state that you may have never even wondered about. Once youve finished this book, you are going to know all there is to know about Texas.
Texas is a state thats rich in its history and culture. We will go all the way back to when the state was first founded and when it gained its independence from Mexico. Well also jump forward to 2018 and take a closer look at some of the more recent historical icons whose roots were planted in Texas.
While this book will mostly follow a timeline of historical events, we will jump around some as we talk about Texass history and other interesting facts about the state and the people who live in it.
This book is broken up into three easy-to-follow chapters to help you gain a better understanding of the Lone Star State. Youll learn some interesting facts about Texas that youll be able to discuss with your friends or that may even make you want to visit this state!
Some of the facts youre about to learn are sad and some of them are shocking, but all of them are fascinating.
So, get ready to learn the following
How did Texas get its name?
Why is it nicknamed the Lone Star State?
Who were the key players in the Battle of the Alamo?
Which Disney childhood stars came from Texas?
What sporting events got their start in Texas?
What animal did farmers and ranchers intentionally try to kill off?
And so much more!
CHAPTER ONE
TEXASS HISTORY AND RANDOM FACTS
Texas was the 28th state to enter the Union. The state is often represented by the Longhorn since it is the leading state in cattle production. But theres so much more to this state than its Longhorns. Its rich in both history and culture. Do you want to learn some interesting facts about Texas and its history? If so, then read on!
The Indians of Texas Gave the State Its Name
Before the Europeans settled in what is now known as Texas, the region was home to a number of different Native American tribes, now commonly known as the Indians of Texas. The area they occupied spanned from the Red River in Northern Texas to the Rio Grande in Southern Texas. Some of the major Native American tribes inhabiting Texas during this time included the Caddo, the Karankawa, the Coahuiltecan, the Lipan (Lipan-Apache), the Tonkawa, and the late-arriving Comanche.
Spanning across different regions of Texas, there was a world of cultural differences between these Native American tribes. Of all the Indians of Texas, the Caddo were the most well-developed tribe. They were known to be successful agriculturists.
It is from the Caddo that the state of Texas earned its name. Early Spanish authorities referred to a group within this tribe as the Tejas, which was the Caddo's word for friend. Texas was the Spanish pronunciation of the word Tejas.
The word Tejano also stemmed from the word Teja. Tejano means a Mexican-American residing in Southern Texas.
The Last Battle of the Civil War Took Place in Texas
The last battle of the Civil War is highly controversial. Technically, the last major Civil War battle was the Battle of Appomattox Court, which took place in April 1865. During this battle, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered.
However, most Americans recognize the Battle of Palmito Ranch as the last battle of the Civil War. It took place on May 12-13, 1865, in Brownsville, Texas. Although the Union and Confederates were already commencing upon a truce, Union Colonel Theodore H. Barrett ordered an attack, which took place near Fort Brown. Its been said that Barrett wanted to witness a battle before the war came to an end. The following day, the Confederacy retaliated and attacked near Palmito Ranch.
It may be surprising to some that the Confederates actually won this final battle, killing or wounding 30 Union soldiers. They also captured 100 other opponents. The Confederates were said to have been supplied by the French Army, which was occupying a nearby town in Mexico. Although it cannot be verified, it is also believed that the French Army provided the Confederates with a steam-powered gunboat that they used to patrol the Rio Grande.
The Confederates may have won the Battle of Palmito Ranch, but their victory didnt last too long. They officially surrendered and President Andrew Jackson ended the Union blockade of the Southern states in June of 1865.
Davy Crocketts Death Remains a Mystery
Legendary frontiersman and U.S. Congressman, David Davy Crockett, was one of the most famous people to fight in the Battle of the Alamo. He was a Congressman in Tennessee and had recently lost his seat. Its believed that he headed to Texas to help boost his political career, as his participation in the Battle of the Alamo could have worked to his advantage.
When Davy Crockett arrived at the Alamo in early 1836, he was quickly identified as its leader. This was mostly due to his popularity, but the fact that he and his volunteers brought rifles with them helped to secure his position because the fort was poorly defended at the time of their arrival. His fame helped boost morale at the Alamo and he used his level-headed skillfulness in politics to help diffuse tensions that were occurring within the fort.
So, what exactly happened to Davy Crockett? Well, no one knows for sure. Davy Crockett was at the Alamo when the Mexican Army attacked on March 6, 1836. Most of the 200 men who were inside the fort perished during this attack, and although some of the soldiers surrendered, they were later killed. After the battle was over, it was rumored that Davy Crockett was one of them. However, other accounts at the time claimed that he was found dead inside the Alamo. To this day, Crocketts death remains a mystery.