Celebrate Texas
AISD Staff Development Presentation
Charles M. Yates
This document can be found on the web at http://www.texianlegacy.com/teachers/AISDProDev.doc
Texas State Historical Association Resources
· The Texas State Historical Association and TSHA Online
· TSHA Online Search
· Southwester Historical Quarterly
· The Free Negro in the Republic of Texas
by Harold Schoen, 1935-1938 Vol 039:292., Vol 040:26 , Vol 040:85 , Vol 040:169 , Vol 040:267., Vol 041:83.
· Mexican Soldier Skulls at San Jacinto Battleground
More Helpful Links:
· Texian Legacy Association
· Texas State Library and Archives Commission
· Sons of DeWitt Colony Texas
· Alamo de Parras
· Brazoria County Historical Museum
· Rare Book Search
The Best Books on the Texas Revolution
· Number 11: The Alamo Remembered. Tejano Accounts and Perspectives, by Timothy M. Matovina, 1994, University of Texas Press. Many times we forget that during the Battle of the Alamo there were people living in San Antonio. In fact, the population of Béxar was about 2300 prior to the onset of hostilities in late 1835. It was a predominately Hispanic population and most of the population had wisely fled to the countryside prior to Santa Anna's arrival in 1836. This book is a compilation of accounts left by some of the people who stayed in San Antonio during the siege of the Alamo or returned shortly thereafter. It is a fascinating book and well worth reading.
· Number 10: The Magnificent Barbarians. Little Told Tales of the Texas Revolution, by Bill and Marjorie Walraven, 1993, Eakin Press. I want to say "Buy this book for your kids.", and it would, indeed, be a great book for them read. The only problem is that it's also a great book for adults. The "Little Told Tales of the Texas Revolution" are presented as standalone essays, so you can literally pick up the book and start reading anywhere. It is well written and entertaining, but what sets the book apart is that it's very well researched. The Walravens did their homework and it shows. I read this book years ago and I still refer to its bibliography, every now and then, when doing research.
· Number 9: A Revolution Remembered. The Memoirs and Selected Correspondence of Juan N. Seguín, edited by Jesús F. de la Teja. This is a wonderful book to help understand what the long established Tejano families went through during the turbulent years of 1835 to 1846. The whole story of Juan Seguín is seldom told and this book goes a long way to correcting that. Amazon.com tells us it's Out of Print - Feb. 2004.
· Number 8: The Texas Revolutionary Experience: A Political and Social History, 1835-1836, by Paul D. Lack, 1992, Texas A&M University Press. OK, this is probably the most "academic" book in the list. It is a bit on the dry side and at times it will be a little slow for some readers, but it was written to provide a different perspective of the Texas Revolution. It is also controversial in some places. Lack discusses issues that were being discussed at the time and have long since been forgotten. He also provides statistics which alter the traditional view of the revolution, as a whole. If you want a book to challenge your beliefs and to really exercise the mind, this is it.
· Number 7: Texans in Revolt: The Battle for San Antonio, 1835, by Alwyn Barr 1990, University of Texas Press. Sometimes we forget that the Texians had to defeat the Mexican military to get the Alamo in the first place, so that they could defend it against Santa Anna three months later. This is a wonderful book about the first major battle of the Texas Revolution and the events that led up to it.
· With Santa Anna in Texas: A Personal Narrative of the Revolution, by Jose Enrique de la Peña, 1997, Texas A&M University Press. De la Peña provides us with a unique view inside Santa Anna's army. He is not hesitant in his praise or condemnation of his fellow officers and his analysis of the Texas Campaign. He, also, describes in detail the beauty of the land and farms as well as the sufferings of the average Mexican soldado. There were many facets to the Texas Revolution and this account helps clarify a few of the lesser known or visited facets.
· Number 6: The Day of San Jacinto, by Frank X. Tolbert, 1959, McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc. Frank Tolbert was a newspaper man and this book is written as a newspaper man would write it: as a story. It's well researched and accurate for its time. It's a first rate, fun read for young people or adults. This book is out of print, but should be available through any major library.
· Number 5: A Time to Stand by Walter Lord, 1978, Univ of Nebraska Press. This is one of the first of a genre of books written by eminent historians for popular consumption. It broke ground in researching the Siege and Battle of the Alamo and was written in a style that made it immensely popular to the general public. Even today, 38 years after it was published, it is still used as a benchmark of Texas History.
· Almonte's Texas: Juan N. Almonte's 1834 Inspection, Secret Report, and Role in the 1836 Campaign by Jack Jackson and John Wheat. In 1834, Santa Anna sent Juan Almonte on an inspection tour of Texas where he was wined and dined by the colonists and native Tejanos. He sent back two reports of his findings, one public and one private. His conclusions are fascinating and add greatly to our understanding of the thought processes in Texas and in Mexico City just prior to the revolution. Almonte also had a very eventful and interesting life which is also chronicled in the book. Jackson and Wheat produced a scholarly work which adds greatly our resources concerning the revolution.
· Sacrificed at the Alamo: Tragedy and Triumph in the Texas Revolution By Dr. Richard Bruce Winders.
· Number 4. Sea of Mud: The Retreat of the Mexican Army after San Jacinto, An Archeological Investigation by Dr. Gregg Dimmick. The untold story of the horrific retreat of the Mexican Army after the Battle of San Jacinto. Dr. Dimmick weaves a spellbinding story of defeat as he explains the meaning and significance of archeological finds left behind by the retreating Mexican military. This book is a must have for any serious student of the Texas Revolution.
· Number 3. Blood of Noble Men: The Alamo Siege and Battle, by Alan C. Huffines and Gary S. Zaboly, 1999, Eakin Press. This book is a "must have" for any study of the Battle of the Alamo. It is a day by day description of the siege and battle of the Alamo as written by people who were there. Included are the wonderful drawings of Gary Zaboly and a wealth of information on dress, equipment and the village of San Antonio at the time. Alan and Gary did a bang-up job on this book.
· Number 2. Three Roads to the Alamo, by William C. Davis, 1998, Harper Collins Publishers. William Davis is primarily a writer of Civil War books, but he brought his skills as a researcher and writer to Texas history with stunning affect. Three Roads to the Alamo is a biography of William B Travis, James Bowie and David Crockett and a must read for anyone who is interested in Texas history. Serious students of Texas history will find the notes and bibliography invaluable.
· Number 1. The Texian Iliad, by Stephen L. Hardin, 1994, University of Texas Press. While Davis' book is a close second, Hardin's Texian Iliad is the best overall book on the military aspect of the Texas Revolution ever written. It is not only a wonderfully written book and wonderfully illustrated by Gary Zaboly, but is also Dr. Hardin's dissertation, which attests to its accuracy. If you could only read one book on Texas history, this is, quite simply, the one. TLA Review
Source: http://www.texianlegacy.com/basicread.html
2010-2011 Calendar of Events
IMPORTANT: The event dates for the 2010-2011 Texas Revolution Reenactment Calendar have not all been set at print time. For those dates that are yet to be determined, the words “On or about” precede the expected event date. Be sure to check with the event site or on the Texian Legacy Calendar page for exact times and dates.
On or about October 9, 2010 - Fall at the Alamo, sponsored by the DRT - Place: On the grounds of the Alamo - Time: 9AM to 5PM.
On or about October 23-24, 2010 - Texian Market Days, at the George Ranch just south of Richmond, Texas . ;This annual living history festival will be held Friday, October 23th (School Day) and Saturday, October 24th at the George Ranch Historical Park. The festival includes costumed staff and volunteers presenting vignettes of daily lives and heroic moments from the early days in Stephen F. Austin's colony (1830s) through the late years of the Great Depression and World War II (1940s), along with toe-tapping old-time tunes, an antique tractor show and pull (in collaboration with the Texas Antique Tractor Pull Association), arts and crafts from around the region at the Texian Market Place and so much more. Proceeds from Texian Market Days support the educational programs of the Fort Bend Museum Association, including the George Ranch Historical Park and the Fort Bend Museum.
On or about January 22-23, 2011 - Pilgrim's Camp and Swap Meet. Event Location TBD. Folks from several different Texas Rev groups have joined together to organize this annual event with the goal of providing a friendly, safe, informative and fun place for "civilians" to explore their interest in living history and for "old hands" to pass on their knowledge and expertise. In order to provide an environment most conducive to learning, the event will be focused toward living historians, reënactors, those curious about our hobby, and those interested in possibly joining us. If you have been interested in this part of Texas history, or have wondered "how can I get started", then this is the event for you.
On or about February 26, 2011 - - Glory at the Alamo at Alamo Plaza in San Antonio, Texas, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is free. Living history reënactments portray the beginning of the 13-day Alamo siege including a scene from a Fandango; the earlier-than-expected arrival of Santa Anna's Army of Operations Against Texas; early attempts to parley, an Alamo cannon shot in reply; and the reading of the famous Travis letter from the Alamo asking for aid. "Glory At The Alamo" programs also feature living history interactive demonstrations, period music, dance, food and novelty booths, historical crafts, old-time photographs, a sutler store and family fun for all. Also hosted is "This Hallowed Ground - Alamo Plaza", a historical walking tour of Alamo Plaza that is presented in collaboration with the William Barret Travis Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas.
On or about Feb 26 - 27, 2011 - Texas Independence Day Festivities at Washington-on-the-Brazos, Texas. Texas Independence Day- March 2nd, 1836 is one of, if not the most important dates in Texas history. The importance of that date is most relevant here at Washington on the Brazos SHS. Washington was the town where Texians declared independence from Mexico and as such is known as the Birthplace of Texas. Come out and spend the weekend visiting with us here at the park. Admission to the park is free and there will be folks demonstrating period crafts, food vendors from all over Texas, period music by local musicians and historic figures on hand to visit with you about the early days of Texas.
March 2-7, 2011 Celebrate Texas Events in Austin, Texas:
· Wednesday, March 2nd 9:00 AM - Texas State Cemetery Program
NOON - Capitol Celebration in the Capitol Rotunda
· Saturday, March 5th 8:00 AM - 5K Run up Congress Ave.
9:30 AM - Parade up Congress Ave.
· Sunday, March 6th 2:00 PM - Alamo Ceremony on the South Capitol Grounds
· Monday, March 7th 11:00 AM - Jay L. Johnson Memorial Celebrity Golf Tournament at Falconhead Golf Club
March 6, 2011 - Dawn at the Alamo Memorial 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM at Alamo Plaza in San Antonio,Texas. SALHA members, joined by re-enactors from across the U.S., represent both armies and pay homage in recognition of the great sacrifices made on both sides of the Alamo conflict. Thirteen candles are lit to symbolize the 13-day Alamo siege. The fall of the Alamo is remembered with a historical narrative, readings of eyewitness accounts, a reconciliation peace prayer, in both English and Spanish, flintlock musket volley salutes, and the placement of commemorative wreathes complete the solemn event. This free hour-long event begins during the Alamo battle hour that begins in darkness and ends in early morning light. Participation with wreaths is welcomed from Alamo descendants, historical organizations, students and other visitors.
On or about March 5-6, 2011 - "Remembering the Alamo" Weekend at Alamo Plaza in San Antonio, Texas, from 10 AM to 5 PM Saturday, and Noon to 5 PM Sunday. Admission is free. For God and Texas; Dios y Libertad - FREE in Alamo Plaza. This event is a dramatization of the events concerning the final two days(March 5 and 6, 1836) of the 13 day Alamo siege by General Santa Anna's Army of Operations, played out in Alamo Plaza. And, a special added vignette, the arrival of the Gonzales Thirty-two.
On or about March 25-27, 2011 - The Goliad Massacre at Presidio La Bahía, Goliad, Texas. Annual Goliad Massacre - Fort Defiance Living History Program. A recreation of the occupation of the fort by Col. Fannin and the Goliad Massacre. The only event of its kind in the State of Texas. Saturday, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Candlelight Tours 7 P.M. to 9 P. M. Sunday, following the Massacre Reenactment at 10:00 A.M., there will be a memorial service and a pilgrimage to the Fannin Memorial.