Stories of Texas's past that bear on its future. Each starts from current news, such as a restoration or an anniversary, and tells the history behind it, checked against the Handbook of Texas and the Texas Historical Commission.
On November 13, 1835, the Consultation adopted the Organic Law, a 21-article plan that gave Texas a governor, a council, courts and a land policy, and set the March 1 meeting at Washington where Texans declared independence.
An 18-month dig beside the Alamo Church recovered four solid-shot cannonballs that the Alamo's historians link to the 1836 siege and battle.
On October 28, 1835, about 90 volunteers under James Bowie and James Fannin held a river bend near Mission Concepcion against 275 Mexican troops and drove them back in about 30 minutes.
On October 22, 1836, Sam Houston took office as the Republic of Texas's first elected president at Columbia, with two hours to prepare his inaugural address.
On the night of October 9, 1835, Collinsworth's volunteers took Presidio La Bahía in about 30 minutes, cutting the Mexican link between San Antonio and the Gulf.
Gonzales holds its Come and Take It Celebration October 2 through 4, with the Battle of Gonzales Reenactment Saturday afternoon on the 191st anniversary weekend of the 1835 standoff.
One hundred ninety-one years ago today, settlers at Gonzales refused to return a cannon they had borrowed from the Mexican government on the written condition that they give it back on request.
Galveston will spend about $121,300 to restore the 1900 Texas Heroes Monument, Henry Rosenberg's gift to the heroes of the Texas Revolution, even though no one is sure whether the city or...
The morning after San Jacinto, a disguised dictator faced the wounded general who crushed his empire in eighteen minutes.
April 21, 1836: Texian volunteers crush Santa Anna's army in eighteen minutes, securing independence and proving the indomitable spirit of a nation.
On April 14, 1788, David G. Burnet entered a world still recovering from revolution, destined to lead Texas through its own fight for independence.
On March 27, 1836, Mexican forces executed 342 Texian prisoners at Goliad, transforming defeat into the rallying cry that secured Texas independence.
On March 11, 1836, Sam Houston arrived at Gonzales to find 374 volunteers ready to march into certain death. Instead of glory, he chose the hard path to freedom.
