Come And Take It

We continue our discussion of the History presentation of Texas Rising. This week we talk about the second installment, entitled Fate and Fury.

Today we begin our discussion of the History event mini-series Texas Rising. What did they get right? What did they get wrong? What does this mean for awareness of Texas history?

In the 1820s, Davy Crockett transitioned from frontier scout to politician, and became one of the most famous men in America.

Davy Crockett is known as an iconic Texan, but he was only in the territory for seven weeks at the end of his life. We start our three-part discussion of this Texas legend by looking at his early life in the wilderness of Tennessee.

Every one of the United States—including Texas—has its share of strange tourist attractions. Join us on a virtual road trip across the Lone Star State as we examine some of its more peculiar sights and experiences.

After doing as much as anyone else to achieve victory for Texans during its revolution, Sam Houston shepherded the young Republic through its turbulent decade of independence, and continued to serve his beloved Texas into the disruption of secession and the Civil War.

In many ways the father of Texas, Sam Houston’s role in the Texas Revolution started even before the first shot was fired. Houston was the most important figure in the Revolution, shouldering the burden of leading the Texas Army and eventually leading it to ultimate victory. He played a critical role in shaping and guiding the fledgling nation and leading it into the Union. Part Two covers the zenith of Sam Houston's life and legend.

Commander of the Republic of Texas Army, first President of the Republic of Texas, Senator and governor of the State of Texas, Sam Houston is arguably the most influential man in Texas history. But he was a giant figure long before setting foot in Texas. Though it is overshadowed by his life in Texas, his early life in Tennessee would undoubtedly have made him a well known historical figure. The path he took to fame and to Texas would lead him from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, but the destiny of The Raven would be realized in the Lone Star State.

An illicit love affair, murderous bushwhacking, and a trial that ends in a riot all sound like stuff that belongs in a Hollywood western. But they’re also part of the Boyce-Sneed Feud, the last of the famous blood feuds of Old Texas. It was truly the end of an era.

One of the great captains of the Texas Rangers, Samuel Walker rode with John Coffee Hays, Bigfoot Wallace, and Creed Taylor. He fought Indians, bandits, and Mexicans. He distinguished himself as a fierce fighter who charged fearlessly into battle ahead of the men he led. Waker's greatest achievement, perhaps, was the creation of the Walker Colt, the most powerful revolver of its time.

The abiding image of Texas is that of the frontier cowboy with a six shooter in his holster and a Bowie knife tucked into his belt. Throughout its history, the Lone Star State has been associated with firearms, and this week we take a look at the history of gun rights in Texas.

From its beginning as a small ranch on the edge of the prairie to its rise as a resort town made famous by the curative waters of its artisan wells, Mineral Wells has had a remarkable history, and the Crazy Water Hotel is right at the center of it. This week we look at the amazing story of the Crazy Water of Mineral Wells!

Roy Benavidez left behind the poverty of his south Texas home town of Cuero for a career in the U.S. Army Special Forces. An incredible act of heroism would make him one of the most decorated American soldiers of the Vietnam War, earning him the Medal of Honor and ensuring his place as one of Texas greatest heroes.

Audie Murphy went to from the cotton fields of Texas to the battlefields of Europe to the lights of Hollywood in his all-too-brief life. One of the most decorated soldiers in American history, perhaps his greatest legacy was his work to shed light on post traumatic stress disorder. This week we look at one of the truly great Texas heroes, Audie Murphy.

Quentin Tarantino called it one of the best films of the 90’s. For many fans, Dazed and Confused represents Texan director Richard Linklater’s mainstream cinema debut and a launching pad for fellow Texan and Academy Award Winner Matthew McConaughey's film career. But this movie tells a wonderful personal story of youth in Texas. And cars. And Foghat. Today we go back in time to Austin, 1976 for Dazed and Confused.

Interred at the Founders Memorial Cemetery in Houston is one of the lesser-known founders of the Republic of Texas. Before the tragic end to his short life, he was a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, the first Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, and an early candidate for President of the Republic. Today we’re talking about James Thompson Collinsworth, on Come and Take It!

"One of the most beloved and influential musicians to ever come from Texas was legendary blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan. In the early 1980s, he skyrocketed to fame on the back of his first album, Texas Flood. This week we’re going to talk about this great album, and the legacy of the man behind it.

Although his career on the national stage was brief, Buddy Holly's influence has been vivid and long-lasting. He and the Big Bopper, both native Texans, gained almost legendary status when they lost their lives in a tragic plane crash on the night of February 3, 1959.

Scott Joplin was one of the most influential musicians and composers in American history. The son of poor black workers in East Texas, he was instrumental in popularizing ragtime music, an early precursor to jazz. Despite his popularity, the critical success and acceptance he craved within classical music circles eluded him, and he died an early death in poverty and obscurity. Nearly 50 years would pass before he became recognized outside of the musical world for his influence on America's music and culture.

When you think about drinking a cold one in Texas, most people probably think about taking a pull off a Lone Star longneck. But for many natives of Texas, the cold beverage of choice is none other than the most original soft drink ever: Dr Pepper.