Celebrating the history, the culture, and the people of Texas.
Upcoming Events
March 1 Independence Eve Celebration
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site celebrates the 188th anniversary of Texas Independence with live music and tours, free for all ages and open to the public. VIP tickets are also available.
March 1: Fort McKavett Archeology Exhibition As an active archeological site, the ground of Fort McKavett has much to tell us about the people who once called the buildings "home."
March 28: Uncover the Hidden Stories of Route 66 Texas Historical Commission, the Abuelas Project and Latinos in Heritage Conservation are taking a VIRTUAL road trip into the narratives of Latino communities and cultural significance of Route 66.
February 24- March 24: Travis' Historic Letter from Alamo on Display
On February 24, 1836, with the garrison surrounded William B. Travis' letter "the People of Texas and All Americans in the World,” was a passionate plea to aid the Alamo garrison. View the original Travis Letter at the Alamo Exhibit at the Ralston Family Collections Center courtesy of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and Friends of the Alamo.
Heroine of the Texas Archive War of 1842
The Story of a Dispute between Austin and Houston (well, and Sam)
Texas history is full of instances of the resolution and resourcefulness of its inhabitants, but perhaps none more so than that of Angelina Belle Peyton Eberly of Austin during what has become known as the Texas Archive War of 1842.
Despite the popular title, the Texas Archive War was really more of a dispute, and was less about the actual archives than it was a fight over definitively settling which Texas city would be the capital of the nascent Republic of Texas: Austin or Houston.
More than a century later, the vision of Eberly, barefoot and clad in a nightgown, continues to be an inspiration to the people of Austin, and Texans in general, for her gallantry and resourcefulness. MORE...
Statute of Angelina Eberly, firing a cannon to deter the removal of the Archives of the Republic of Texas from Austin in 1842.
When Jerry Lewis Played for the Houston Astros
As the Houston Astros drive for another American League Pennant, it may surprise some fans about the time that comedian Jerry Lewis played first base for the Astros.
In July 1973, Lewis suited up for the Houston Astros for a last-minute exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers in the famed Houston Astrodome. The idea of an exhibition game did not sit well with Tigaers General Manager Billy Martin, but he had little to say about it. Astros Manager Leo Derocher knew how a thing or two about show business, and the opportunity to draw a crowd—not to mention the press—was a was not an opportunity he was about to miss.
Lewis became the “Clown of the Dome” during his three short innings, and enthralled the Astrodome crowd with his antics with players, umpires and fans. MORE...
TEXAS HISTORY NEWS THIS WEEK...
Amazing Virtual Tour of Alamo Available Online
The Alamo Trust has posted a remarkable 3-D virtual tour of the Alamo,
complete with 360 viewing that leads through the Church and the surrounding
grounds. Experience the Alamo from anywhere in the world in stunning 4K
resolution that feels as though you are there in person. Visit the Alamo Trust
website to take the tour and experience the rich history of the Alamo.
TSHA Annual Meeting in College Station This Week
Registration is open for the Texas State Historical Association's 128th Annual Meeting from February 28 to March 2 at the Texas A&M Conference Center in College Station. The annual meeting offers a range of interesting conversation, informative sessions, and terrific engagement for anyone interested in the history, culture, preservation, and collective memories of Texas. In addition to 150 speakers and 40+ panels, the conference includes eight banquets and receptions, multiple offsite tours, and additional special events involving the unique history and culture. of Bryan/College Station. Visit the TSHA registration website to sign up. Sponsorship opportunities and vendor spaces are also available by contacting Angel Baldree at angel.baldree@tshaonline.org.
Historical Commission sets Real Places Conference April 3-5 in Austin
The Texas Historical Commission’s eighth annual Real Places conference is scheduled for April 3 – 5, 2024 in Austin. This conference brings together historical preservation professionals and volunteers from diverse disciplines and organizations to network. Participants include county historical commissions, Main Street managers and board members, historic preservation officers, design review boards, architects, engineers, historians, archeologists, curators, interpreters, educators, nonprofit staff and volunteers, THC staff, and the Texas Heritage Trail Regions. Updates are available on the Real Places website.
OFF THE PRESSES
by Tracy Daugherty
St. Martin's Press
An examination of the life of one of the Texas' best historical novelists: Larry McMurtry. Known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning novels, “Lonesome Dove,” "Terms of Endearment," and "The Last Picture Show," McMurtry was a
remarkable bibliophile as well. Daugherty looks to share McMurtry's self-effacing wit and his ability to capture the essence of Texas and being a Texan.
Son of the Old West
Atlantic Monthly Press
Ward offers a colorful portrait of Charlie Siringo,a Matagorda-born cowboy who joined the Pinkerton Detective Agency to infiltrate outlaw gangs before taking a job advising on Hollywood movies. Charlie Siringo was called "Ulysses of the Wild West" for his heroic travels and experiences.
