Wise About Texas

Wise About Texas


Latest Episodes

Ep. 99: A Letter From Goliad
March 28, 2021

On March 27, 1836, several hundred Texian soldiers were brutally murdered on the orders of Santa Anna. One of them, John C. Logan, left us two letters. The first was written at a time of optimism and victory.

Ep. 98: Writing Texas History with James L. Haley
March 02, 2021

James L. Haley is one of Texas' finest writers. He has written a preeminent biography of Sam Houston, an award winning narrative history of Texas called Passionate Nation as well as several works of fiction, also very highly regarded.

Ep. 97: Victory or Death-The Travis Letter
February 24, 2021

From February 23, 1836 through its fall on March 6, the Mexican army lay siege to the Alamo. William Barrret Travis wrote several letters during the siege but one stands above all others.  On February 24, 1836,

EP. 96: The All-Woman Supreme Court
January 31, 2021

In 1925, there were only a few women lawyers in Texas. But women still couldn't serve as jurors and nobody dreamed there would ever be a female judge. Then a real estate lawsuit came to the Texas Supreme Court involving a mutual life insurance company ...

EP. 95: Texas Towns: Welcome to Provident City!
January 04, 2021

In the early 20th century, Texas had room to grow.  Like the empresarios of the early 1800's, real estate drove efforts to settle new Texans.  But not all developers were honest.  Promises of historically productive land,

EP. 94: The Texas Rangers–East Texas Troubles
December 14, 2020

San Augustine had a crime problem in the 1930’s. A semi-organized gang was preying on the black community and something had to be done. The problem was compounded by a corrupt governor who had all but destroyed the Rangers.

Ep. 93: The Free State of Van Zandt
November 23, 2020

Texans love their freedom. At the door of a hat, we'll declare independence and the fight is on! For years, folks have referred to Van Zandt County as the "free state of Van Zandt." How did this come about? Was it taxes, or was it the civil war?

Ep. 92: I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas
October 19, 2020

Texas one of only 17 states that has a pledge of allegiance to its flag. But some would say Texas is the only state that deserves it. Hear a quick take on the Texas pledge of allegiance in this episode of Wise About Texas.

Ep. 91: The Secret Court of the Republic of Texas
September 07, 2020

In April, 1836, Texas went to war with the United States by capturing an American ship in the service of Mexico. After the battle of San Jacinto, an international relations nightmare loomed. President David Burnet had to find some way to hold a trial...

EP. 90: Cozumel, Texas?
August 23, 2020

During 1837, the Mexican government was still reeling from the successful Texas revolution. Bent on reconquering Texas, an army massed at Matamoros. The Secretary of the Texas Navy knew that Texas could keep Mexico at bay by attacking its ports and s...