Texana

People remember Dwight David Eisenhower (1890-1969) as the general who led the Western Allies to victory in Europe during World War II. He was one of five American generals to earn five-star rank. People also remember Eisenhower as the 34th president…
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If you’ve been on the ferry between Port Bolivar and Galveston Island…or you’ve been on Pelican Island, visiting Seawolf Park…or if you’re flying over Galveston Bay at a high altitude…or even, if you look in the right spot using Google…
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The Houston Texans begin their 15th NFL season when the play the Chicago Bears Sunday at NRG Stadium. But long ago, Houston had another professional football team known as the Texans. Those Texans played in a different league. They were…
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A few years ago, I attended a Houston history panel discussion in which the topic was the fate of the Astrodome. It remains a timely topic because of the Astrodome’s historical significance. It is also timely because the Astrodome represented…
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Forbes magazine values the Dallas Cowboys football club at approximately $4 billion, between the merchandise sales, sponsorships, AT&T Stadium, television deals, ticket sales, and so forth. It’s a long way from when the Cowboys were established for the price of a song…
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For some years following his death in 1967, John Nance Garner of Uvalde had been all but lost to history. People don’t tend to remember or write about vice presidents. To complicate things, Garner and his wife, Ettie, destroyed much…
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1. Why is Deaf Smith important to Texas history? Erastus “Deaf” Smith (1787-1837) is best known in Texas history as a scout, solider and spy during the Texas Revolution. He played a key role in the Battle of San Jacinto,…
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Want to own a pro football team but your bid falls short? Start your own pro football league! That’s what Dallas businessman Lamar Hunt did. In the late 1950s, Hunt, along with Houston businessman K.S. “Bud” Adams Jr., had each attempted…
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When people think of Texans competing in the Olympic Games, they might remember such luminaries as Carl Lewis or Mary Lou Retton. They might remember more recent medalists such as David Boudia, who won both a gold and silver medal…
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1. Was King Ranch founder Richard King really a captain, or was it just an honorary title? Richard King (1824-1885) was a steamboat captain. Originally from New York, King served during the U.S.-Mexican War. His ship transported supplies and troops along…
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