Author: Cassidy

I'm a serial entrepreur with several successful businesses including Lakehub.com, TexasProud.com and AquaponicPeople.com. Check out more about me at CassidyLackey.com.

Texas Facts

For What is Texas is Famous?

Post author By Cassidy
Post date February 22, 2012
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The Alamo in San Antonio Texas — The Alamo

We have good number of our visitors asking “what is texas famous for?” or “what makes texas famous?” So we’ve compiled the top 10 reasons why Texas is famous.

The Alamo – Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie and 180+ Texians including battled for 3 days against 6000+ members of the Mexican army. Granted, they lost and all the Alamo defenders were killed but it inspired the rest of Texas to fight Mexico for independence. The phrase “Remember the Alamo” was the rallying cry that the Texians, led by Sam Houston, used to defeat General Santa Anna and the Mexicans.

BBQ – Texans love their BBQ. So much so that four styles of Texas BBQ have become popular around the different geographic region. In East Texas, the beef is cooked slowly over hickory and marinated in a sweet, tomato-based sauce until the mean is basically falling off the bone. Central Texans prefer that the meat be rubbed with spices and cooked over indirect heat from pecan or oak wood. Out in West Texas the meat is cooked over direct heat from mesquite wood giving it a somewhat bitter taste. The South Texas style features thick, molasses-like sauces that keep the meat very moist.

Football – This quote from Legendary Cowboy’s Coach Tom Landry say is it all, “Football is to Texas what religion is to a priest.” It isn’t uncommon in Texas to spend $20m on a high school football stadium and pack it with 40,000+ fans for a Texas high school playoff game.

Black Gold, Texas Tea – It all began on Jan. 10, 1901 when the Lucas No. 1 well blew at Spindletop near Beaumont spewing mud, gas and oil more than 100 feet into the air. With that dramatic fanfare, Texas’ economy was wrenched from its rural, agricultural roots and flung headlong into the petroleum and industrial age. Oil profoundly changed the culture of the state, and it continues to affect most Texans’ lives in ways that may not be obvious to the casual observer.

Texas Longhorn – Commonly seen while driving along Texas back country, the Texas Longhorn known for its characteristic horns, which can extend to 7 feet. The Longhorn also serves as the official Texas State Large Mammal, official symbol for Fort Worth as well as the mascot for the University of Texas at Austin.

Size – As the 2nd, largest state in both size and population, the state of Texas encompasses 268,820 square miles. The size of the state and the bigger-than-life attitude of some of its inhabitants has led to the saying that “Everything is bigger in Texas.” Another common term, “Texas-Sized” is used to describe something that is large compared to other objects of its type.

JFK Assassination – On Friday, November 22, 1963 at 12:30 p.m CST, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was assassinated on Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas. Kennedy was fatally shot while traveling with his wife Jacqueline, Texas governor John Connally, and the latter’s wife Nellie, in a Presidential motorcade. For more information, visit the 6th floor museum in Dallas.

Chili – Texans love their chili almost as much as BBQ. Some people believe that it all started back the 1840’s as Texas cowboys pounded beef fat and dried beef with chili peppers and salt to make trail food then later boil it to make a dish they called chili. Some say cowboys planted oregano, chiles, and onions along their well travelled trails then harvest the spices, onions, and chiles on their way back and combine them with beef to create a chili recipe called “Trail Drive Chili”.

Don’t Mess with Texas – The slogan began as a statewide advertising campaign in 1986 to reduce littering on Texas roadways and quickly became a Texas cultural phenomenon. While officially a trademark of the Texas Department of Transportation, “Don’t Mess with Texas” is frequently cited example of pride in Texas culture.

The Heat – Texas actually has a very diverse climate but generally the eastern half of Texas is humid subtropical and the western half is semi-arid. However it is all hot and humid with average temps in the high 90’s for June, July and August.

Texas Culture

Texas Movies

Here are some of our favorite movies about Texas – from classic Texas cowboy movies,and westerns to the modern day Texas heroes of Apollo 13.

Lonesome Dove (1989)	Return to Lonesome Dove	Streets of Laredo	Dead Man’s Walk
The Alamo	Big Jake	Giant	Bonnie and Clyde
Gone to Texas	Sugarland Express	Last Picture Show	Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Waltz Across Texas	Apollo 13	Lone Star	Dancer, Texas Pop 81
Happy, Texas	Lone Star State of Mind	Johnson County War	Monte Walsh
The Last Cowboy	Hopalong Cassidy	Texas (1941)	Roll on Texas Moon

Texas Culture

Texas Calendars

Bluebonnets Calendar	61st Street Pier Galveston Tx Calendar	Cypress Swamp Calendar
Cattle Country Calendar	The Battleship Texas Calendar	The Elissa Calendar Print
Galveston Calendar

Texas Travel

Texas Travel Books and Guides

Post author By Cassidy
Post date February 21, 2012
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Texas has something for everyone and these travel books will help you do Texas your way! Whether you are a history buff, love to get off the beaten path or are just looking for new and fun attractions – these Texas Travel Books will help you plan your next vacation, day trip or weekend getaway.

Texas Off the Beaten Path Travel Book

Texas Off the Beaten Path: A Guide to Unique Places
If you’re planning to travel at all throughout the Lone Star State, this book will be an indispensable guide for your travels! This guide helps you discover the hidden places in Texas that most tourists miss as well as Texas trivia and tidbits of Texas history.

Backroads and Byways

Backroads & Byways of Texas: Drives, Day Trips & Weekend Excursions
With natives as your guides, this new series steers you down the most scenic and historic byways in the areas they cover, with plenty of intriguing points of interest and places to eat, stay, and shop along the way.

Why Stop?: Texas – A Guide to Texas Historical Roadside Markers
Have you ever wondered what all those Historical Markers were as you went driving past? Or if you should go back and check it out? This book helps you decide with the location and actual inscriptions on many of Texas’ most prominent and interesting roadside markers.

Texas Old Time Restaurants and Cafes
Tired of eating at Dennys? Author Sheryl Smith-Rodgers scoured the state to find the best old time restaurants and cafes, making this an excellent gift and travel guide! Divided geographically, this book takes a look at cafes and restaurants that have been serving Texas for 20 years or longer. Each of the restaurant entries includes a history of the cafe along with directions and nearby attractions.

Touring Texas Gardens
This directory spotlights the best of Texas gardens. Many are hard to find treasures that are great destination spots, or ideal travel breaks while driving through the state. This book includes the best times to visit, how to get there, what to expect in bloom, what birds and butterflies you’ll see, how to arrange group tours, and children’s activities.

Ghost Towns of Texas
This is the kind of book you want to take in your car always! You never know in Texas when your going to be near a ghost town! The book has a map and is indexed, with good information on the towns , how to get there and what you will find. Although, by their very nature, the Texas ghost towns featured in Baker’s book have deteriorated even more – or disappeared altogether – since the publication of this book in 1986, it remains a classic reference and a “must have” for the ghost town hunter’s library.

The Best in Tent Camping: Texas: A Guide for Car Campers
The campgrounds selected for The Best in Tent Camping: Texas had to meet three criteria: they had to be accessible by car but not overrun with RVs; offer great scenery; and be as close as possible to a wilderness experience. Divided into the state’s major geographical areas, the book is based on the author’s 30 years’ experience in following the back roads of Texas. Along with a detailed profile and useful at-a-glance information, clear maps show campground layout, individual sites, and key facilities.

Doin’ Texas With Your Pooch
If you are traveling with their pets, this book is the ultimate dog owner’s guide to the beautiful Lone Star State. Doin’ Texas with Your Pooch provides readers with everything they need to know about dog friendly travel in the state including 1,500+ pet-friendly accommodations in every price range.

Texas History

Famous Texas Cowboys

These Texas cowboys represent the many men whose legendary spirit helped shape the American frontier. Though their heyday only spanned a short time in history, cowboys have been celebrated in art, film, song, poetry and western novels. The enduring romance with the west lives on because of the accomplishments of the famous cowboys and the countless deeds of those whose story may never be known.

Francisco Garcia
The Spanish – Mexican Vaqueros were the first cowboys of Texas. The legacy they left is seen today in every aspect of working cattle and cowboy culture. They were the ones who first perfected the equipment and techniques of the American cowboy. And so we begin this tribute to Texas Cowboys with a man of Spanish descent, Francisco Garcia.

The first organized cattle drive in Texas was a result of the American Revolution. General Bernardo de Gálvez was fighting the British along the Texas coast and needed supplies to feed his Army. So, in 1779 he sent Francisco Garcia with a message for Texas Governor Domingo Cabello authorizing a round up and cattle drive. In the San Antonio area 2,000 cattle were rounded up from local ranchers and missions. Francisco Garcia left San Antonio to drive the cattle along the “Old Opelousas Trail” and on to the “Old Spanish Trail” into New Orleans. This first trail drive in Texas began the trade between Louisiana and Texas. And as a result, the Spanish Army defeated the British along the Gulf Coast.

Oliver Loving – December 4, 1812 to 1867
Oliver Loving was Texas pioneer in the cattle industry as early as 1845. He was the first to drive cattle to the northern markets of Illinois in 1855 and Colorado in 1860. In 1866 he and Charles Goodnight set out with 2,000 cattle and 18 riders to blaze the Goodnight-Loving trail from Texas to Colorado. This went on to be a well traveled route to both Colorado and Wyoming. His legendary story was loosely portrayed by Robert Duvall in the Lonesome Dove book and movie by Larry McMurtry.

Charles Goodnight – March 5, 1836 to 1929
Charles Goodnight was a cattleman, rancher, philanthropist. He started as a cowboy, joined the Texas Rangers, blazed the Goodnight-Loving trail, became a rancher at Palo Duro Canyon and was one of the most wealthy cattle barons of his time. Goodnight crossed longhorns with Herefords to produce a more commercial breed of cattle. He also was instrumental in saving the few remaining herds of Buffalo from extinction. In their later years Goodnight and his wife Molly founded Goodnight College. Charles Goodnight’s character and story of his cowboy days was loosely portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones in the movie Lonesome Dove, a western novel by Larry McMurtry.

Bose Ikard – July 1843 to 1929
Many early black cowboys had previously be born into slavery and one of the most well known is Bose Ikard. Originally from Mississippi, Bose learned the skills of a cowboy when he came to Texas in 1852. After the Civil War he went to work for Oliver Loving and was a valued member on the now famous Goodnight – Loving trail drive. He worked closely for many years with Charles Goodnight and became a trusted friend. When Goodnight needed a someone to transport large sums of money, it was Bose Ikard who could be trusted for the job. The two men became lifelong friends. Indeed, Goodnight once said that he trusted Ikard more than any living man. It was Charles Goodnight who erected his headstone with the memorial:

“Served with me four years on Goodnight-Loving trail. Never shirked a duty or disobeyed an order. Rode with me in many stampedes. Participated in three engagements with Comanches. Splendid behavior. C Goodnight”
He is buried in the same cemetery as Goodnight in Weatherford, Texas.

There is a Texas Historical marker near his grave that says: “Born a slave in Mississippi, Bose Ikard came to Texas as a child with the family of his owner, Dr. Milton L. Ikard. He remained as an employee of Dr. Ikard following his emancipation, but in 1866 joined a cattle drive to Colorado led by Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving. Ikard became one of Goodnight’s best cowboys and trusted friend. Following his work in the cattle drives, Ikard settled in Weatherford. He and his wife Angeline were the parents of six children when he died in 1929 at age 85. Goodnight had a granite marker erected at his grave.”

In 1997 Ikard was inducted into The Texas Trail of Fame and a statue of him can be seen at the Stockyards of Fort Worth.

John Baker “Texas Jack” Omohundro – 1846 to 1880
Texas Jack was a scout during the Civil war, a cowboy, trail guide for the U.S. Calvary, hunting guide for royalty, a frontier reporter and more. He came to Texas after the Civil War and worked as a cowboy and trail driver. Buffalo Bill Cody recommended him for the job of scout and trail guide for the Cavalry at Fort McPherson, Nebraska. In the 1870’s he starred with Cody in “The Scouts of the Prairie” stage shows. Texas Jack wrote for the New York Herald about his life as a cowboy and adventures of his scouting days. The public enjoyed reading about his exploits and Jack became the subject of many short novels. Texas Jack died young but during his life he was a well known figure.

William (Bill) Pickett – 1870 to 1932
Bill Pickett was a cowboy of African and Native American descent. He started working as a ranch hand at a young age and it was there that he learned the skills of a cowboy. He is most famous for inventing bull-dogging. He would chase the steer from his horse, jump to it, twist it’s head by the horns and bite the lip to to subdue it. The Pickett Brothers operated a horse breaking business near Austin. In 1905 he was hired on at the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch in Oklahoma. He worked as a ranch hand and became the star attraction at their Wild West Shows. Pickett was also featured in a silent film from 1921, The Bull-Dogger. William Pickett was honored as the first Black American to be inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1971.

Tags cowboys, famous

Texas History

Texas History for Kids

Here are some great resources to help teach your kids about Texas including lesson plans, field trip ideas and more!

Interesting Sites

Texas Beyond History – a public education service of the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory at The University of Texas at Austin. Texas Beyond History covers not only the prehistoric peoples – Indians or Native Americans – but also much of the early history of the Spanish, French, Mexican, and Anglo explorers, missionaries, soldiers, miners, traders, and settlers who lived and often died in Texas. And later history, too – German farmers, Black freedmen, and Mexican American laborers among others.

Texas State Historical Association – mission to “foster the appreciation, understanding, and teaching of the rich and unique history of Texas and, by example and through programs and activities, encourage and promote research, preservation, and publication of historical material affecting the state of Texas.”

Texas Parks and Wildlife – Step through the doors of historic homes and inns, and imagine the lives of the people who inhabited these places. Information on state parks, outdoor events, lodging and more.

Texas Arrowheads and Indian Artifacts Online Museum – Indian Artifacts from prehistoric times to the early Clovis and Tejas Native American tribes.

Institute of Texan Cultures – Texas’ Native Americans – Information, curriculum and activities for 4th graders.

Barbed Wire Museum – Everything you want to know about barbed wire and fencing tools.

Great Texas Field Trip Ideas

The Alamo – San Antonio, Texas
The Spanish mission which has come to represent courage and the cause of liberty for all Texans.

Texas Capitol Visitor Center – Austin, Texas
The Capitol Visitors Center encourages educators to bring students for guided tours of its exhibits. Also available are lesson plans, classroom activities, vocabulary lists and research topics for all grade levels.

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum – Austin, Texas
A dynamic educational institution that tells the “Story of Texas” with three floors of interactive exhibits and IMAX. A Teacher Curriculum Guide and poster is available for “Texas – the big Picture” – a film presentation of the wonders of Texas.

The Museum of Health and Medical Science – Houston, Texas
Take a fantastic, larger than life tour of the human body. The exhibit contains huge sculptures of human organs: take a seat on a giant tooth inside an enormous mouth, walk through a 10-foot brain alive with electrical activity, peer inside a colossal eyeball, or stand beneath a 22-foot-long backbone with ribs. There are interactive audio and video kiosks, hands-on exhibits, educational programs and science classes.

Battleship Texas & San Jacinto Battleground – LaPorte, near Houston
Step back in time to the days when the Battleship TEXAS was the pride of the U.S. Navy fleet and visit the world’s last Dreadnought. The San Jacinto Monument and Museum is dedicated to the “Heroes of the Battle of San Jacinto and all others who contributed to the independence of Texas.” Located on the site of The Battle of San Jacinto where General Sam Houston defeated General Santa Anna.

Space Center Houston – Nasa Road One, Clear Lake
Space Center Houston provides an educational experience that’s out of this world. Take a look behind the scenes of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, visit the many interactive exhibits, see the Astronaut Gallery with spacesuits, touch a moon rock and more! There are educational programs for teachers and homeschool.

Texas State Aquarium – Corpus Christi, Texas
You not only travel an aquatic journey from the shore to the depths of the Gulf but also have the opportunity to observe dive shows, feeding demonstrations, and have a “hands on” experience with sharks, stingrays, hermit crabs, and more!

Dinosaur Valley State Park – Glen Rose, Texas
Dinosaur Valley State Park contains some of the best preserved dinosaur tracks in the world. The dinosaur tracks are located in the riverbed, so please call ahead to check on river conditions. The park also has 15 miles of trails, picnic and camping facilities.

The Texas State Railroad – Rusk or Palestine
Passengers may board the historic steam powered trains at either Rusk or Palestine. Both ends of the line have Victorian style train stations. The trip takes 1 and a half hours to reach the opposite station. Once visitors have arrived, they have 1 and a half hours to enjoy lunch, browse through the depot’s train store or take a short nature hike. Passengers then re-board for the return trip home.

Fort Worth Museum of Science and Natural History – Fort Worth, TX
Dedicated to lifelong learning and anchored by our rich collections, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History engages our diverse community through creative, vibrant programs and exhibits interpreting science and the stories of Texas and the Southwest.

George Ranch Historical Park – Richmond, Texas
Step back in time to experience more than 100 years of Texas history. A wonderful place for a field trip, this living history ranch has educational activities for kids of all ages. See and Learn about the skills of working cowboys, the role of black cowboys, early pioneers to Texas, a working blacksmith and more!! Call ahead to schedule a time for your group or attend one of many special events.

Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame – Fort Worth, Texas
The newest attraction in the Fort Worth Stockyards is the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to 58 of the top cowboys and cowgirls in Texas.

The National Cowgirl Museum – Fort Worth, Texas
The museum has five galleries of exhibitions featuring western artifacts, photographs and art work, three theaters, a children’s area, research library, gift shop and more.

The Museum Of Western Art – Kerrville Texas
The Cowboys, the Native Americans, the Settlers, the Mountain Men and others who tamed the West… share their adventure through the rotating exhibits on display at the Museum of Western Art where the legend of the American West lives on.

Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center – Athens, Texas
This Center houses a hatchery, laboratory, aquarium, and educational center focusing on underwater wildlife in the state’s freshwater streams, ponds, and lakes. Features also include a wetlands trail, alligator exhibit, an opportunity to fish and picnic areas.

Vanishing Texas River Cruise – Lake Buchanan, north of Austin
Explore the awesome beauty of the Colorado River at Canyon of the Eagles – seasonal wildflowers, wildlife, waterfalls, cliffs and more!!

Nature Centers in Texas

Amarillo – Wildcat Bluff Nature Center

Austin – Austin Nature and Science Center

Bellaire – Nature Discovery Center

Brownsville – Sabal Palm Audubon Center and Sanctuary

Boerne – Cibolo Nature Center

Dallas – Dallas Nature Center

Fort Worth – Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge

Houston – Armand Bayou Nature Center

Kerrville – Riverside Nature Center

Midland – Sibley Nature Center

Orange – Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

Padre Island – South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center

Weslaco – Valley Nature Center

Wichita Falls – River Bend Nature Works

Tags culture, Texas History, Texas Travel

Texas Facts

Texas State Quarter

The Texas Quarter was the 28th coin to be issued in the 50 State Quarter Series from the United States Mint. The design of the quarter is meant to honor the qualities that make Texas great.

The top of the Texas Quarter says “Texas” with the year 1845 underneath – because on December 29, 1845, Texas became the 28th state to be admitted into the Union. In the center of the coin is the shape of Texas with a lone star. Texas has long been known as “the Lone Star State” as symbolized on our state flag. The lariat rope that surrounds the design honors the western history of the Texas cowboy and the cattle for which our state is famous. The overall design of the Texas Quarter represents the individuality of Texans and their “frontier spirit that tamed the land.”

The final design of the coin was revealed at the Houston Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank on July 12, 2002. The drawing of artist Daniel Miller of Arlington was chosen from over 2,700 entries.

At the unveiling ceremony for the Texas Quarter, Governor Rick Perry said, “This Texas quarter will serve as a timeless representation of our state’s proud and storied history. When Americans reach into their pockets and purses beginning in 2004, this quarter will remind all of the proud and rich history of the state that was once its own sovereign nation.”

The 50 States Quarter program will release a new quarter every 10 weeks in the order that each state was admitted into the Union. It will take 10 years for the series to be completed, ending in the year 2008. (5 each year) The design of each quarter is selected by the Governor of each state.

Tags currency, money, quarter

Texas Facts

State Song of Texas – Texas, Our Texas

Post author By Cassidy
Post date February 21, 2012
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The State Song of Texas was chosen May 23, 1929. “Texas, our Texas” was written by William J. Marsh and Gladys Yoakum Wright. Our state anthem was one of many that had been entered into a competition and it took 4 years for the State legislature to make the decision!

“Texas, our Texas” has been performed at State Functions, Football Games and sung by many school children. The only change that has been made to the original lyrics of the song since it was written in 1924 was to one word. When Alaska got it’s statehood in 1959, it became the largest state. So, the word in the Texas State song – largest – was changed to boldest.

Texas, Our Texas

Texas, our Texas! All hail the mighty state!
Texas, our Texas! So wonderful, so great!
Boldest and grandest, withstanding every test;
O empire wide and glorious, you stand supremely blest.

God bless you, Texas! And keep you brave and strong.
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.

Texas, O Texas! Your freeborn single star.
Sends out its radiance to nations near and far.
Emblem of freedom! It sets our hearts aglow.
With thoughts of San Jacinto and glorious Alamo.

God bless you, Texas! And keep you brave and strong.
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.

Texas, dear Texas! From tyrant grip now free,
Shines forth in splendor your star of destiny!
Mother of heroes! We come your children true.
Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you.

Tags music, song

Texas History

Bob Wills Statue Vandalized

Post author By Cassidy
Post date February 21, 2012
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Bob Willis Statue Broken Arm — Bob Willis Statue

On May 20, 2006 vandals knocked down the famous Bob Wills that stood in front of the Lone Star Music Store in Gruene, Texas. The arm was broken off and now Bob is wearing a sling.

Carved by local artist and musician Doug Moreland, the 8 ft. statue was loved by the people of Gruene and visitors who came to get their picture taken with it.

Bob Wills was known as the King of Western Swing. He and the band, the Texas Playboys, made a name for themselves in 1940 with the release of what was to become their signature song, the New San Antonio Rose.

His career included being a popular radio star and host, a movie star and performing at the Grand Ole Opry. Bob Wills was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1968 and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970.

Bob Willis Statue Fallen — Bob Willis Statue Knocked Down

In 1973, Bob and the original Texas Playboys reunited to make a final record entitled For the Last Time. Bob Wills left this world on May 13, 1975. Bob’s style of music has influenced many musicians throughout the years and he is still loved by many today.

If you ever get the chance to visit to Gruene (it’s a wonderful place and you should really go!) be sure to stop by the Lone Star Music Store to see the statue of Bob Wills. Hopefully they will have it repaired!

Texas History

Juneteenth in Texas

In Galveston Texas on June 19th, 1865, two years after Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, a Union General read the news of freedom to the waiting crowd. This historic day freed nearly 250,000 slaves in Texas.

Today the date is celebrated throughout Texas and is a day to reflect and have pride in the accomplishments of African Americans.

To learn more about Juneteenth celebrations, please visit Juneteenth World Wide Celebration, a site that has information on Juneteenth celebrations, organizations and supporters in existence.