Topic
History
166 articles
History · People
Robert M. Williamson “Three-Legged Willie” (1804-1859)A severe illness at the age of fifteen left R. M. Williamson crippled for life. As a result of the illness, his right leg was drawn back at the knee. To compensate, he wore an artificial limb from the knee…
History · People
William A. A. “Bigfoot” Wallace (1817-1899)In a land and at a time known for its tough and colorful characters, William A. “Bigfoot” Wallace felt right at home. During his sixty years in Texas, he set the standards as a ranger, backwoodsman and folk hero.
History · People
William Barret Travis (1809-1836)Born in South Carolina on 9 August 1809, William Barret Travis will always be remembered as the Texas commander at the Battle of the Alamo. He spent his childhood in Saluda Co., SC, which was also the home of…
History · People
Alexander W. Terrell (1827-1912)For over fifty years, Alexander Terrell maintained a high profile in Texas. His public service career progressed from that of district court judge to military officer, legislator, and U. S. minister to Turkey.
History · People
Henry Smith (1788-1851)For his role in the Provisional Government during the early stages of the Texas Revolution, Henry Smith is remembered as the first American governor of Texas. He is also remembered as having married three times…
History · People
Erastus “Deaf” Smith (1787-1837)Erastus Smith was hearing impared. Despite this handicap, however, Smith became one of Sam Houston’s most reliable and most trusted scouts. He was a man of few words, but was well known for his coolness in the…
History · People
Ashbel Smith (1805-1886)Born August 13, 1805 in Hartford, Connecticut, Ashbel Smith graduated from Yale in 1824 and became a doctor in 1828. After further medical study in Europe, he decided to go to the newly formed Republic of Texas…
History · People
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna – The Leading Villain of Texas HistoryAntonio Lopez de Santa Anna, the leading villain of Texas history, was born in Mexico on 21 February 1794. As a young military officer, he supported Emperor Agustin de Iturbide, and at one time courted the…
History · People
Thomas J. Rusk (1803-1857)Thomas Jefferson Rusk was lured to Texas from Georgia in 1832. He was chasing business partners who had absconded with his money and fled westward. When he arrived in Nacogdoches, he decided to stay.
History · People
Lawrence Sullivan “Sul” Ross (1838-1898)Born in Iowa on 27 September 1838, Sul Ross moved with his family to Texas the following year. He attended Baylor University in 1856, then graduated from Wesleyan University at Florence, Alabama in 1859.
History · People
Sterling C. Robertson (1785-1842)An early Texas empresario, soldier and statesman, Sterling Clack Robertson was born on October 2, 1785, in what is now Nashville, Tennessee. There, he spent his youth. After serving in the Tennessee Militia in…
History · People
Oran Milo Roberts “Old Alcade” (1815-1898)O. M. Roberts strongly influenced Texas history as president of the Secession Convention of 1861, as Chief Justice of the state Supreme Court, and as Governor. He also helped preserve Texas history as the first…