Once Upon a Time in Texas

I have spoken many times about place names and wondering where they got those names. I am going to explore two that I got to experience this last weekend.

Every state has animals they highlight as the state this or state that. We will explore some of the Texas State animals and some of their uses.

We hear place names and wonder where they come from but often overlook the people these place names honor. I found three that were important to Texas that I believe are often overlooked. Seguin, Navarro and Zavala are on our list this week.

Who doesn’t love stories about outlaws in the Wild West. Guys like Billy the Kid, Black Jack Ketchum and others are almost idolized but what about some lesser known outlaws that were equally as bad? And what about the lawmen that caught them. They weren’t all white horse and honor. Some of them were almost as bad as the outlaws!

Do you ever hear about interesting people and wonder about their history? What about Texans named Jack Earle or Monroe Edwards? Two vastly different and interesting Texans.

Who were the Texas Old Three Hundred and how is it related to Stephen F. Austin? I think we know who Austin was but do we really know him?

Did you know there was a Texas Navy? Well, technically three I guess. There was the Texian Navy, the Second Texas Navy and the Third Texas Navy….well, sort of. Also, did you know there was a Texas Navy Ship that was lost at sea and no one has ever found it or know what happened to it?

Have you ever seen the GIANT brick smoke stack west of Fort Worth on I-20? Ever wonder what it’s there for? What about a famous Texas restaurant’s origins?

So, most folks know the story about Cabeza de Vaca and his exploration of Texas but what about Francois? He had a totally different experience. And, why is there a Texas named London Whiskey?

Have you ever been to a museum and thought "that name sounds familiar"? Well, my buddy Michael and his wife Tosha did that and it turns out the Medal of Honor they were looking at was her Great Grandfathers. Pretty cool stuff.

Weird Texas laws. Some or myth and some are legit. Lets explore a few of these to make sure we stay out of trouble!

How did Texas get it’s shape and what was the Texan Santa Fe Expedition and the following compromise of 1850 and how did it effect Texas?

Davy Crocket is a historical hero. I’ve read a few books on him and he was an interesting character to say the least. How did he get to Texas though?

Texas is iconic and most icons that stand out are cowboys, boots, hats and pickup trucks. But what about horses and of course, cattle. Lets take a look at the Texas Longhorn history and maybe a few other breeds famous here in Texas

Often we see westerns on fully understand the importance of traildrivers on cattle drives. Lets take a look at one of the most famous black Frontiersman and Traildrivers and his impact on one of the most famous Westerns around.. I also want to take a look at another guy who lived a really interesting life but was well known to me for very different reasons.

Did you know that Wichita Falls used to have it’s own line of trucks? Also, what about a town with a hexagon shaped hotel. Lastly, have you heard the legend of the Texas Candy Lady?

Lets take a look at two interesting fellows that merely passed through Texas but left a lasting impression in their own way.

Did you know the first Thanksgiving in North America was actually held in Texas? But wait, there were actually TWO Thanksgivings held in Texas before the one we all know and love!

Did you know there was a woman hanged in Texas, only one? What about twin sisters and the Texas Holy Grail?