The storm remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, with around 8,000 to 12,000 dead after the hurricane destroyed Galveston. By Robert C. Greiner Introduction On September 8, 1900, a powerful hurricane made landfall directly at Galveston, Texas. The storm inundated the city, which lay on an island only eight feet above sea level,[…]
The current representation of the Alamo as the site of patriotic heroism and brave sacrifice eclipses Spain’s earlier colonial presence. Before the Alamo Few places in the U.S. conjure as many images and legends about heroism and nationhood as the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. The Alamo is an icon of American identity—like Gettysburg or[…]
I was there researching the city’s history, literally studying its streets, and I wanted to know them. Between the Archives and the Streets People told me that I shouldn’t just walk through Houston. But I was there researching the city’s history, literally studying its streets, and I wanted to know them. I’d seen the Sanborn[…]
Texas cattle trails, cattle drives, and the people who worked them. Originally published by the Texas Alliance for Geographic Education, Texas State University.
Portraits, landscape paintings, drawings, and historical maps flesh out the cultural history. By Jennifer Smart A rare, centuries-old Moorish saddle somehow made its way from North Africa to Spain, and then survived an ocean crossing to land in what is now Texas. Its construction is unique and beautiful: The cover is made of wood and[…]