The Battle of the Alamo was fought during the Texas revolution at a small fort in San Antonio, Texas. It lasted from February 26 to March 6, 1836. Many famous Texan and American figures lost their lives during the 13-day siege, including James “Jim” Bowie, William B. Travis, and Davy Crockett. All 200 Texan defenders … Read more
The Texas Declaration of Independence was produced, literally, overnight. Its urgency was important as the Alamo in San Antonio was currently under siege by Santa Anna’s army of Mexico. Immediately upon the gathering for the Convention of 1836 on March 1, 1836, a committee of five of its delegates was appointed to draft the document. The committee, … Read more
The Texas Ordinance of Secession was the document that officially separated Texas from the United States in 1861. It was adopted by the Secession Convention on February 1 of that year, by a vote of 166 to 8. The adoption of the ordinance was one of a series of events that led to Texas’ entry into the … Read more
The following are among the most referenced of early Texas documents. They have earned a prominent place in the rich history of Texas in the ninteenth century. Travis’ Appeal from the AlamoFebruary 24, 1836 Texas Declaration of IndependenceMarch 2, 1836 Treaty of Velasco(including Spanish transcription)May 14, 1836 Resolution Annexing Texas to the United StatesMarch 1, … Read more
A colonizer and statesman, Manuel Lorenzo Justiniano de Zavala was one of the most talented and capable of the many native Mexicans involved in Texas’ struggle for independence from Mexico. He was born in the villiage of Tecoh in what is now the state of Yucatan, Mexico, on October 3, 1789. While still in his … Read more
The following family register entries to Lone Star Junction are posted so that our viewers can share information about specific families that lived in early Texas. Inquiries of more general interest in Texas history should be posted in our Texas History Forum. We invite all interested viewers to participate in the register. IMPORTANT: Refer to Guidelines for Posting Family … Read more
Texas, Our Texas, the official state song of Texas, was adopted by the Legislature in 1929 after being selected in a state-wide competition. It was composed by William J. Marsh of Fort Worth. The lyrics were written by Marsh and Gladys Yoakum Wright.
The following are people that performed key roles in the development of Texas before 1900. Click the name for additional biography and details of each individual. Birth Death TexasRevol. IndianFights MX/AMWar Civil War Branch T. Archer 1790 VA 1856 TX ✅ Stephen F. Austin 1793 VA 1836 TX ✅ Peter H. Bell 1812 VA 1898 … Read more
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 down, which led to his widely used nickname of “Three-Legged Willie.” Williamson was born in … Read more
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. Born in Lexington, VA on April 3, 1817, Wallace grew up and worked on his father’s … Read more