180th Birthday of San Augustine, Texas - Looking for Descendants of the Colonists

The historical society in San Augustine, Texas searching for descendants of the following 1833 San Augustine colonists to be special guests at the 180th birthday celebration to be held 26 October 2013 @ 2 pm in Museum Theater, San Augustine.

Email deeddescendants@gmail.com

San Augustine colonists: John Cartwright, Chichester Chaplin, Samuel Davis, William English, Claiborne and William Garrett, James S. Hanks, Wyatt Hanks, Alexander Horton, Benjamin Lindsay, Leonard Mabbitt, Thomas and William McFarland, Philip Sublett, Charles Stanfield Taylor, George, Edward and Henry Teal, I. D. Thomas, Mary Richardson Davis Wilson (wife of Dr Stephen Pelham Wilson) and Elisha Roberts.

They are the 21 colonists who signed the deed dated 11 July 1833 to purchase the land where Thomas McFarland laid out the town. Signer descendants will be recognized. The organizers want at least one person for each signer and would love standing room only!!

The following counties are places where these people and/or their descendants are known to have lived: Anderson, Angelina,Dallas,Harris,Houston,Jefferson,Kauffman,Liberty,Jasper,Nacogdoches,Newton,Panola,San Augustine, Smith,Trinity,Tyler,Natchitoches Parish, LA (Chichester Chaplin).

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS CSA by Frank M. Johnson - Book Review

Montgomery County, Texas CSA is a must-have for anyone who had a Montgomery County, Texas ancestor who fought for the Confederacy during the War Between the States. Historian Frank M. Johnson conducted years of research in local, state and federal archives to create what is without a doubt the most comprehensive history of the important roles that the soldiers from Montgomery County, Texas played in that epic conflict.

In recent years, there has been a rebirth in the study of the history of Montgomery County. This rebirth has seen a new generation of historians who rely almost entirely on primary sources rather than stale and often inaccurate secondary sources. What these historians in recent years have produced are far more accurate and useful histories. Montgomery, County, Texas CSA is the most recent contribution by one of these new historians. As such, Montgomery County, Texas CSA is destined to become the historical authority on this period in Montgomery County's history for many years to come. Genealogists seeking sources of information about Montgomery County will also find this volume an essential tool as hundreds of names are listed with information about the military regiments in which these men fought during the war.

Frank M. Johnson describes his book most succinctly as "A definitive history of Montgomery County's involvement in the War Between the States and the men from that county who served in the military of the Confederate States of America." Montgomery County, Texas CSA is 227 pages and is available from Frank M. Johnson or Amazon. com.

Texian Heritage Festival History Presentations - Saturday, October 19, 2013 - Reenactor Registration Information

At The Texian Heritage Festival there will be an encampment of the Texian Heritage Amy on the hill next to the “town of Fernland”. The army will represent the Texas Army of the 1830´s. The Texian Heritage Army will be made up of members of several Texas historical reenactment groups. These combined groups; such as; the modern Texas Army, San Antonio Living History Association and Crossroads of Texas Living History Assoc reenact the battles of the Texas Revolution of 1835-36 on weekends as close as possible to the anniversaries and as near to location of the original battle as possible, such as, La Bahia, Gonzales, Alamo Plaza and The San Jacinto Battlefield. Their mission is to keep the history and the heritage of The Republic of Texas alive and as accurate as we know it.

To that end they have many dedicated historians in their group that are always ready to discuss Texas history with any one that is interested. The activities of the Texian Heritage Army on October 19, 2013 will include one squad each of the Texas Army of 1836 and one separate squad of the Mexican Army of Antonio Lopez de San Anna demonstrating regimental drills and firing black powder salutes throughout the festival grounds in the morning. Concurrently they will have several large bore Texian Heritage Army cannons firing in conjunction with a cannon safety school just outside the Fernland grounds. In the afternoon they will have Cowboy Pistoleros performing in their “town”; there will be a reenactment in the middle of the afternoon pitting early settlers to the Montgomery county area vs. the Mexican Army regiment over a perceived injustice.

There will also be several different groups at the Texian Heritage Festival representing different eras of Texas history from the late 1800´s back to the late 1700´s. For example, we will have the late cattle ranch era with the Cowboy Pistoleros, the Civil War era with the Veterans of the Confederacy, the pre-1800´s era of Estado de Tejas with the Aztec dancers.

Texian Festival Army Reenactments and Schedule:

Friday, October 18: Camp setup in the field east of the Fernland fence.

Saturday, October 19: 8:00 - 9:00AM Late Reenactor Registration

9:00 - 9:30 Safety inspection of all weapons that will be discharged during festival. Safety meeting and invocation.

9:30 – 12:00 Texas Artillery Association school and demonstrations (In the field north of Fernland fence north-east corner.) Jerry Tubbs.

11:00 – 11:30 Equestrian demonstrations in the field north of Texian Army Camp.

Texian Army Camp life-continous Friday night through Sunday morning

1:00 – 1:30 Cowboy Shootists presentation.

2:00 – 3:00 Reenactment in the field north of camp depicting the insurrection/revolution of Coahuila y Tejas settlers and the Mexican Army of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.

3:00 – 3:30 Cowboy Shootists presentation.

9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Saturday Separate random regimental drills and weapons demonstrations by Texas Army and Soldados Mexicanos will be conducted in Fernland.

9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Saturday Larry and Claudia Heidbreder will have Liberty and Justice (Longhorn Steers) demonstrating Texas history continuously on Saturday.

Sunday: Texian army camp break down.

Click fere for the registration form for reenactors for the Texian Heritage Festival.

Pattison Area Heritage Society - September 30, 2013 - Roosevelt Alexander




Roosevelt Alexander being interviewed for Katy ISD Namesake Project - August 2013.

 The next meeting of the Pattison Area Heritage Society will held on Monday, September 30, 2013 at 7:00 PM at Pattison Area Volunteer Fire Department (2950 FM359, Pattison, Texas). The Special Guest Speaker will be long-time teacher and administrator: Roosevelt Alexander.

In 1997, the Katy ISD Board of Trustees voted to name the 17th Elementary School in KISD "Roosevelt Alexander Elementary School." For more information about the Pattison Area Heritage Society visit their website - http://www.fophs.com and join in additional announcements of through PAHS Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/FOPHS .

Texian Heritage Festival - October 19, 2013 - Montgomery, Texas

October 19, 2013

Fernland Historical Park

780 Clepper-Montgomery, Texas

Booming cannons, dramatic Texas Independence battle reenactments, a Texian Army tent encampment and Native American dancers are among the highlights planned for the Texian Heritage Festival at Fernland Historical Park in Montgomery, the third weekend in October.

From everyday Civil War era dresses of Texas women to the most elaborate of uniforms and antebellum dresses, and dozens of pioneer activities, the Festival will piece together our native history, explore the daily lives of early Texas settlers on the frontier, and capture a glimpse of the living history and culture of Texas during the 1800s.

These Pioneer-themed events will be featured from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Fernland Historical Park in Montgomery, Texas and admission is free.

Fernland Historical Park is located in the Buffalo Springs development area located at 780 Clepper across from Montgomery Elementary School. This historical park has four cabins from the 1800’s:  the Hulon House of the Civil War era; the Jardin Cabin, one of the oldest log structures in Texas; the Crane Cabin built by Confederate Civil War veteran Nickolas Crane; and the Arnold-Simonton House, home of the Fernland Historical Park Museum and one of the oldest houses in Montgomery County.

Click here to see the Texian Heritage Festival web site.

Also see:

Chili Cook-Off

Vendors

Sponsorship

Reenactors

Volunteers

Gazette

Texian Navy Day is Tomorrow! September 21, 2013

Texian Navy Flag

Fly your Texas Flag!

Texian Navy Day is celebrated the third Saturday in September, and this year it is the 21^st!  Be sure to fly your Texas flag in remembrance of those who gave so much for the cause of Texas independence! 

Join the SRT in Remembrance 

The SRT ceremony will be onboard the Battleship Texas to honor Texian Navy Day.  Services start at 6 bells (11:00 am) tomorrow.  It will be a very memorable ceremony highlighted by our guest speaker Mr. Jerry Patterson, KSJ.  The services will consist of cannon and rifle salutes and a bagpipe procession.  You will also be able to check out the Port of Houston’s new Fire Boat and the U.S. Coast Guards Response Boat.

For directions and information on the Battleship Texas, please click here.

Seat of Empire: The Embattled Birth of Austin, Texas - Book Review

According to author, Jeffrey Stuart Kerr, "the government of the Republic of Texas assembled at seven different locations in nine years [and] the state of Texas has had only one seat of government in its 161 year history." Have you ever wondered how Austin became the capital of the state of Texas? Kerr's new book Seat of Empire: The Embattled Birth of Austin, Texas answers this question in a very entertaining way. Kerr relates one unlikely event after another to tell the story of how the tiny village of Waterloo, struggling for its very existence along the far edge of the western settlements in the Republic of Texas, went on to become the permanent capital of Texas.

Seat of Empire explains how the town of Austin became a political football between two ideologies competing for dominance during the Republic of Texas era.  On one side was the first President of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston, who was strongly in favor of annexation and statehood for Texas.  On the other side was the second President of the Republic of Texas, Mirabeau B. Lamar, who hid his dreams of a Texian empire extending from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean from no one.  In the 1830's, the vast majority of the population of the Republic of Texas was located in the east. This was where Sam Houston wanted the capital.  In accordance with Mirabeau B. Lamar's aspirations of empire, Lamar wanted the capital of Texas to be established as far west as he could possibly push it so that it would be more centrally located within his envisioned empire. Austin was his choice.

You may think you know this story, but you don't. There is a lot of new information here gleaned from previously untapped primary sources. Buy, read and enjoy Seat of Empire: The Embattled Birth of Austin, Texas.  Seat of Empire is published by Texas Tech University Press (2013) and is included in the Grover E. Murray Studies in the American Southwest series. Seat of Empire is available in fine bookstores everywhere and at Amazon.com.

Pattison Area Heritage Society - August 26, 2013 Meeting

Pattison Area Heritage Society

Date: Monday Evening - August 26, 2013 

Time: 7:00 PM 

Location: Pattison Area Volunteer Fire Department (2950 FM359, Pattison, Texas)

Mark your calendars so that you don't miss this special presentation.  Topic/Presentation - Special Guest Speaker: Raymond Mathis

He worked for Waller County for many years and we consider him one of the top 2 or 3 historians in the county. He is full of Waller County history and knows where things are that most people don't have a clue about. So if you are interested in learning more about Waller County and some gems of historical value, come out on Monday evening, August 26, 2013.

Hope to see ya there.

Ceremony to Honor Anson Jones and U.S. Independence Set for July 4, 2013

A ceremony honoring Anson Jones, the last President of Texas and United States independence is scheduled for Thursday, July 4, 2013.  The San Jacinto Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas will be hosting the event at Anson Jones’ grave site at Glenwood Cemetery, located at 2525 Washington Avenue. Known among Texas historians as the "Architect of Annexation," Anson Jones policies and actions as Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States, Secretary of State of the Republic of Texas and as President of the Republic of Texas did much to bring about the annexation of Texas as a State in the United States of America.  

There will be a wreath presentation and mourning muskets fired by the Texas Army. Kameron Searle will act as the master of ceremonies. Family members, SRT members and any guests are encouraged to arrive before 9:30 a.m. for the purpose of locating Anson Jones’ grave site within Glenwood Cemetery. You are encouraged to bring a wreath and outdoor stand for registration, prior to the 10:00 a.m. ceremony kick-off.

Follow-up:

The photos below are some that were taken at the July 4, 2013 ceremony by SRT Knight of San Jacinto, Joe R. Davidson.

Texas Army at Grave site of President Anson Jones, 

"The Architect of Annexation"

Tom Green Speaks about the Declaration of Independence

San Jacinto Chapter #1 of Sons of the Republic of Texas

Houston's River Oaks by Ann Dunphy Becker with George Murray

If you have lived in Houston, Texas for any length of time, you will have heard people say things like, “You know he lives in River Oaks.” or “She grew up in River Oaks.” And everyone in Houston knows exactly what community you are referring to and about the rich and powerful people who live there.

In her follow-up book to her very successful Houston: 1860-1900, Ann Dunphy Becker has set her sights on giving the reader a rare and unique glimpse inside Houston’s most prestigious neighborhood. Houston’s River Oaks covers the period from the founding of River Oaks in 1923 until 1970.

This is a great book for anyone who ever wanted to peek inside the private lives of the residents of River Oaks to see just what it was like to live there during different periods in its history. Many River Oaks families contributed to the intrigue of this fascinating book with stories and hundreds of photographs of local residents ranging from Mary Thompson to Clark Gable that have never been published before.

Like Ann Dunphy Becker’s book Houston: 1860-1900, Arcadia Publishing has also published the 128 page Houston’s River Oaks (Images of America) by Ann Dunphy Becker with George Murray which is available for $21.99 from Arcadia Press, Amazon.com and fine bookstores everywhere including the River Oaks Bookstore, Becker’s Books and Barnes and Noble.

Birth of Texas Documentaries - "Houston: A Nation's Capitol" and "Spanish Texas"

Houston Arts and Media’s Birth of Texas Docs to Air on Houston's KUHT-TV Channel 8 in March

Houston, TX – March 11, 2013 – The two completed titles from Houston Arts and Media's Birth of Texas Series, including their latest release, will air on Houston's KUHT-TV Channel 8 in prime time on Tuesday, March 19. Houston: A Nation's Capitol will start at 7 PM to be followed immediately by the brand new Spanish Texas. There will be an encore showing of each at 10 PM on March 26 and March 27.

The folks at Houston Arts and Media are very excited about this opportunity and hope that other PBS outlets around Texas will follow suit in airing these compelling documentaries about the state. HAM's Executive Director Mike Vance said, "Channel 8's support of Texas history is a terrific development for us. We are constantly working on great titles about Texas, and we hope to see all of them on PBS affiliates around the state."

Spanish Texas is the chronologically first title in the Birth of Texas Series. It is the story of the missions, presidios and villas in this most remote part of New Spain. It is Texas Indians, some of whom converted to a life with the Spaniards, and some who most decidedly did not. The settlers in this often hostile outpost would become known as Tejanos, and they would alternately battle and cooperate with the Anglos sneaking into Texas from the east. There are filibusters and pirates, vast Texas ranchos, battles for survival and revolution against Royal Spain.

The Birth of Texas Documentary Series is a multi-part series of feature length documentaries that chronicle the journey from Spanish Texas, along the road to Revolution, through the days of the Republic and on to statehood. The videos not only explore the complete stories of the famous military actions at the Alamo, Goliad and San Jacinto including recent breakthroughs in scholarship and archaeology, but also the roles played by Tejanos, American settlers, filibusterers, enslaved African-Americans, European immigrants and foreign governments in shaping the story of our state.

These documentaries educate adults and students about the early history of our great State of Texas. They also serve as a powerful vehicle for history tourism, motivating people to visit these hallowed locations for themselves.

In addition to Spanish Texas, other documentaries in the Birth of Texas Series revolve around San Felipe de Austin, Washington-on-the-Brazos, San Antonio and the Alamo, Goliad, San Jacinto, Houston and Austin. Each follows the same pattern of telling not only the stories of what happened there, but exploring the broader themes that existed in Texas of the early nineteenth century and grounding them in solid and recognizable historical context.

Spanish Texas and Houston: A Nation's Capitol are available on DVD through HAM. Public viewings will continue to be scheduled. DVDs may be obtained here http://www.houstonartsandmedia.org/spanish%20texas.html

Houston Arts and Media continues to work on several other projects such as the award-winning HAM Slices of History which are reachable through HAM's homepage. Documentaries are in the works on other state and area history subjects including Home Front: Texas in WWII and Stand Up Story, a history of standup comedy in Houston. They also continue with Neighborhood to Neighbor, an ongoing oral history gathering project that has already placed the stories of scores of Houstonians in the Houston Public Library’s Houston Metropolitan Research Center and Rice University’s Woodson Research Center. Parties interested in supporting these efforts through donations or volunteerism should contact Houston Arts and Media via e-mail at info@houstonartsandmedia.org.

About Houston Arts and Media:

Houston Arts and Media’s purpose is to produce educational and historical film, video and books. The work will be done by members of Houston’s creative, educational, research and production communities. Houston Arts and Media is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization.

For information: http://www.houstonartsandmedia.org or

Contact: info@houstonartsandmedia.org

Phone: 713-686-9244

2013 Texas Independence Day Celebrations - Washington-on-the-Brazos

Texas Independence Day Celebration

Washington-on-the-Brazos

March 2-3, 2013

Schedule of Events

 

Ongoing activities, throughout the weekend, 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:

• Craft vendors, demonstrators, and musicians located along the trail between the Visitors Center and Museum, the Star of the Republic Museum and Barrington Farm
• The Social Republic: The Frontier Tavern as a Networking Hub at Washington Inn
• Descendants of Declaration Signers sign-in at the Visitor Center
• New Museum exhibit "The Substance of Life: Texas Through the Eyes of Theodore Gentilz"
• Book signings by Texas authors at the Visitor Center 

 Saturday March 2, 2013

• 10:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. - Texas Independence Day Commemorative Program at Independence Hall
• 10:45 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. - William Carroll Crawford: Last Surviving Signer at Independence Hall
• 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. - Geocaching 101: Introduction to Geocaching at the Education Center
• 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. - Recollections of the Runaway Scrape by Mary Jones at Barrington Farm
• 11:00 a.m. - Texas Heroes Living History: General Sam Houston at the Museum Theater
• 11:00 a.m. - No Foolin' String Band at the Amphitheater
• 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. - Firing Demonstrations, small arms and artillery at the Washington Inn
• 12:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. - Dave Parsons, Texas State 2011 Poet Laureate at the Amphitheater
• 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. - Independence Hall  Tours at Independence Hall
• 1:00 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. - Craig Toungate presents In the Shadow of Giants at the Amphitheater
• 1:30 p.m. - Texas Heroes Living History: Col. James Bowie at the Museum Theater
• 3:30 p.m. - Texas Heroes Living History: General Sam Houston at the Museum Theater

Saturday March 3, 2013 

• 11:00 a.m. - Texas Heroes Living History: Col. James Bowie at the Museum Theater
• 11:00 a.m. - The Convention Through a Lady's Eyes at Independence Hall
• 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. - Texas 1836:  Virtual Townsite Tour that starts at the Visitor Center
• 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. - Recollections of the Runaway Scrape by Mary Jones at Barrington Farm
• 12:00 p.m. - No Foolin' String Band at the Amphitheater
• 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. - Firing Demonstrations, small arms and artillery at the Washington Inn
• 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. - Independence Hall Tours at Independence Hall
• 1:00 p.m. - Washington on the Brazos Park Association Commemorative Program on the lawn in front of the Conference Center
• 1:00 p.m. - Craig Toungate presents In the Shadow of Giants at the Amphitheater
• 
  1:00 p.m. - Geocaching 101: Introduction to Geocaching at the Education Center
• 2:00 p.m. - The War for Texas Independence by Naomi Carrier at the Amphitheater
• 3:00 p.m. - William Carroll Crawford: Last Surviving Signer at Independence Hall
• 3:30 p.m. - Texas Heroes Living History: General Sam Houston at the Museum Theater
• 4:00 p.m. - Texas Independence Day Commeorative Program at Independence Hall

A Texas Destiny, The Saga Begins by - Joe G. Bax - Book Review

I just got through reading Joe G. Bax's A Texas Destiny, The Saga Begins and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.  I enjoy excellent historical fiction especially when it is about the romantic Mexican colonial period and Texas revolutionary period.  This novel is the much awaited "prequel" to Bax's celebrated and award winning novel, The General and Monaville, Texas published in 2009 which introduced Bax's readers to Texan Leander Wilhite and his family during the Reconstruction period following the War Between the States. 

Originally, The General and Monaville, Texas was intended to be a stand alone book. However, when reading The General and Monaville, Texas, readers became aware that some rather important and dark events had occurred in the lives of the main characters years before the events related in The General and Monaville, Texas.  Many readers contacted Bax and advised him that they just had to know more about the main characters and earlier somewhat mysterious events alluded to in The General and Monaville, Texas. In response to the popular demand, Bax wrote this excellent and very entertaining prequel, A Texas Destiny, The Saga Begins.  A Texas Destiny, The Saga Begins allows its readers to live vicariously, for a while, with Leander Wilhite and his family as they go through many adventures beginning with the early settlement of Texas in 1820's up to the eve of the War Between the States.  If you like Texas history and historical fiction, be sure and read A Texas Destiny, The Saga Begins.  It is sure to please. 

Now we need to encourage Joe G. Bax to write the part of the Wilhite saga that occurs during the War Between the States. 

Book Review by Kameron K. Searle

Steamboat House Historical Marker Dedication - Huntsville. Texas - November 11, 2012

The Oakwood Cemetery Advisory Board and the City of Huntsville, Texas cordially invite you to attend the dedication of a Historical Marker illustrating The Steamboat House as it appeared on its original site.  The dedication of this historical marker will held on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the Adickes Addition of Oakwood Cemetery on MLK Boulevard in Huntsville, texas.  Reception to follow immediatly after the ceremony at the Wynne Home located at 1428 11th Street in Huntsville, Texas.  For more information 936-291-7316 or candycedixon@sbcglobal.net

Texian Navy Day Celebration & Cannon School - Surfside Jetty Park - September 15, 2012

Texas Navy Flag - Texas Revolution

There will be a Texian Navy Day Celebration & Cannon School on Saturday, September 15, 2012; at Surfside Jetty Park. Meet and visit with the infantry and cannon crews of the Texas Revolution.  Observe 19th century artillery on display and being fired at the cannon school.  Schedule for this event:

Flag Raising- 8:00 a.m

Infantry Drill -9:00 a.m.

Cannon School 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Ceremony - 4:00 p.m.

For information, call 979-864-1541 or e-mail co3militia@yahoo.com

Organized and conducted by the Brazoria Historical Militia with support from the Village of Surfside, the Brazoria County Parks Department, and the Brazoria County Historical Museum. The Texas Government Code - Section 662.051 provides the following information about the observance of Texian Navy Day:

Texian Navy Day

§ 662.051. TEXIAN NAVY DAY.

Text of section as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 697, § 1

(a) The third Saturday in September of each year is Texian

Navy Day in remembrance of the Texian Navy.

(b) Texian Navy Day shall be regularly observed by

appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 697, § 1, eff. June 17, 2005.

For text of section as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 19, § 1,

see § 662.051, ante.

For additional information: James Glover is the contact person for this event:

jamesg@brazoria-county.com

Thanks Ever so Much,

M. Bailey



The Pioneers of Montgomery Sculpture - Cedar Brake Park - Montgomery, Texas

The Pioneers of Montgomery - Click Image to Enlarge

The Pioneers of Montgomery historical monument sculpted by Montgomery resident Lynn Peverill, represents the folks that built Montgomery, Texas from scratch.  To be placed in Montgomery's Cedar Brake Park, the piece includes Charles B. Stewart (an entrepreneur who designed the Lone Star Flag of the State of Texas and the Texas State Seal) at center, a Cattleman, a Farmer, a Logger and a Pioneer Woman.

If you would like to sponsor this worthy endeavor, contact Patrons of Cedar Brake Park.  Patrons of Cedar Brake Park is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.  Contact information: (936) 499-6091 or http://www.lynnpeverill.com.  Also see the Patrons of Cedar Brake Park web site at http://patronsofcedarbrakepark.org/.

Battle of Medina, August 18, 2012 - 199th Anniversary of the Bloodiest Battle in Texas History

The public is invited to attend the 199th anniversary of the Battle of Medina on Saturday, August 18, 2012, at a site in Atascosa County overlooking the Galvan Creek, where we believe between 800 and 1,300 men died August 18, 1813. This was the bloodiest battle and largest loss of life of any battle in Texas history, and it occurred about 20 miles south of San Antonio, Texas. The ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 18, 2012, and everyone interested in Texas history is invited. Due to the heat, we will only be at the large Oak tree overlooking the battle site for about one hour so that each Society can rededicate their marker to American Revolutionary Patriot Peter Sides, the Sons of The Republic of Texas marker for Benjamin Allen, the Mayflower Society marker for Samuel Adams and all the other men who fought and died in this battle. The SAR, DAR, SRT, DRT, The Daughters of the War of 1812 Society, and the Mayflower Societies will all re-dedicate their markers, making this one of the most honored and dedicated historic sites in Texas. Our combined Color Guard will present the Colors to begin the ceremony and fire a musket salute to all those who participated in this battle on both sides to conclude the event. Chief of the Caddo Nation, Rufus David will conclude the ceremony with a memorial ceremony.

Everyone will then retire to Pleasanton, Texas, for lunch on your own, and then reconvene at the Pleasanton Church of Christ located at 1003 North Main Street for an air-conditioned history seminar from 1:00 p.m. to approximately 3:30 p.m. in the church meeting hall. The Atascosa County Historical Commission members will graciously provide us with refreshments in the afternoon at the church during the symposium again this year. The afternoon history seminar will present the latest research on the Gutierrez-Magee Expedition, which began 200 years ago this year, and the last battle of the Expedition, the Battle of Medina. Several speakers will be featured, including Robert Thonhoff, KSJ, the award winning author of several books, Richard G. Santos, author of 37 books, over 3,000 articles and dozens of documentaries and former instructor at Our Lady of the Lake University, Trinity University and School of Aero Space Medicine; Al McGraw, Archeological Studies Program for TxDOT will also speak on various facets of this historic era, Dan Arellano, author and historian and Tom Green promoter of the event. These are all great speakers and historians, so you don’t want to miss this symposium. The Military History Coordinator for the State Historical Commission, Mr. William McWhorter is also planning to attend, as is Caddo Chief Davis, who will say a few words of wisdom.

To reach the site for the 10:00 a.m. outdoor ceremony, proceed south from San Antonio on Highway 281 some 15 miles from the intersection of Loop 410 South and Highway 281, to the community of Espey, Texas, at the intersection of U.S. 281 and FM 536; then turn right (west) onto the Old Pleasanton Road, and then left onto Bruce Road where signs will direct you to the ceremony. For additional details, contact Tom Green, at (281) 922-1118, or Cell Phone (832) 687-3474. Wear a hat and comfortable shoes and bring water and a lawn chair that will not easily sink into the “sugar sand!”

The Battle of Medina was between the Republican Army of the North consisting of approximately a 1,400 men, called the Gutierrez-Magee Expedition by historians, and a Royal Spanish Army commanded by General Joaquin de Arredondo consisting of approximately 1,800 men. The Republican Army of the North was truly a diverse group, consisting of Tejanos, Native Americans, and adventurers from the U.S.A. along with at least one African-American named Thomas. This was at a time in history when only about 2,000 people lived in San Antonio, called San Fernando de Bexar at the time. At least 5 Patriots of the American Revolution were involved in the Gutierrez-Magee Expedition, and at least one of these Patriots, Peter Sides, fought and died in the Battle of Medina. Peter Sides is one of over 50 Patriots of the American Revolution believed to have been buried in Texas. Direct descendants of Peter Sides are eligible for membership in both the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution and The Sons and Daughters of The Republic of Texas. Some of the descendants of Peter Sides will be in attendance for the re-dedication of a Sons of the American Revolution Patriot Grave Marker. A Grave Marker will also be re-dedicated by the Sons of the Republic of Texas for Benjamin Allen, as descendants of all the approximately 3,200 men who fought on both sides of this battle are possibly eligible for membership in the SRT and the DRT. One of our objectives is to honor the many other participants on both sides of this battle, which is the land battle with the largest loss of life in Texas history. Toward that end, descendants of the Spanish solders, Native Americans and the native Tejano participants have also been invited to attend this annual commemorative ceremony.

Earlier in the expedition the Royal Spanish Army surrounded the Republican Army of the North for approximately four months at the La Bahia Presidio near present day Goliad, Texas. This is believed to have been one of the longest sieges in American military history, and is the reason the La Bahia Presidio flies the Emerald Green flag of the Republican Army of the North as one of the nine flags flown at La Bahia.

Prior to the August 18, 1813 Battle of Medina, the Gutierrez-Magee Expedition formed the Republican Army of the North, and won all the preceding battles and declared Texas free from Spain, including a battle at Nacogdoches, a four month siege of the Presidio La Bahia, the Battle of Rosillo, and the Battle of Alazan. On April 6, 1813, Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara, and his junta, wrote and signed the First Texas Declaration of Independence. On April 17, 1813, the junta and Governor-Elect Bernardo Gutierrez approved the First Constitution of Texas in present day San Antonio. A ceremony is held each year in San Antonio commemorating these events. Come join us and learn more about this all but forgotten part of our history.

Special thanks to contributor Ron W. Brown, P.E. for providing the information in this email.

Houston History Association: Building Houston: From Allen's Landing to the Moon - June 2, 2012

Dear Friend of Houston history:

I am writing to invite you to attend our second annual conference on Houston's history, "Building Houston: From Allen's Landing to the Moon." The day-long conference will explore with experts how Houston emerged from the primitive settlement of its founding in 1836 to become the international city it is today.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

This year, we are honored that Mayor Annise Parker will open the conference, and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett will offer keynote remarks during lunch. The morning session will feature a panel including Barry Moore, FAIA of Gensler and Stephen Fox of Rice University with time for Q&A from the audience. In the afternoon, choose from several dynamic breakout sessions on various topics. At this writing, confirmed sessions are: Building Houston's Cultural Arts; Building Houston's Transportation Infrastructure; Building on Houston's Natural Wealth; Building Houston's Modern Architecture; and Building Houston - To The Moon. You will also have the opportunity to network and visit exhibitors from numerous local history organizations, preservation groups and neighborhoods.

Early Bird Registration (until midnight on May 25, 2012) is $50.00. Late Registration (until midnight on May 29, 2012) is $65.00. If space allows, on-site registration the day of the conference is $75.00. Registration includes lunch and parking. Please click on the link below to register. We look forward to seeing you for an informative and fun conference.

Get more information. Register Now! For more information visit our website:

http://www.houstonhistoryassociation.org/

or email us at: info@houstonhistoryassociation.org

We look forward to seeing you on June 2, 2012 for an informative and fun conference.

Sincerely,

Katy Butterwick,

Houston History Association

Houston History Association*P.O. Box 25086*Houston*TX*77265

Texas Legacy Celebration - May 5, 2012 - Navasota, Texas

Texas Legacy Celebration - Navasota, Texas, May 5, 2012
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On Saturday, May 5, 2012, Texans will be celebrating their history and diverse culture in Navasota, Texas between 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at August Horst Park at the VFW Hall (look for the army tank) located at 400 Veterans Memorial Drive.  Entertainment including music, dance and song as well as plenty of other activities await everyone, young and old, who comes out to attend the Texas Legacy Celebration. The statue honoring French explorer René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle will also be re-dedicated in the park. Many historical groups will be participating including: The Daughters of the Republic of Texas, The Daughters of the American Revolution, the Lone Star Chapter of The Sons of the Republic of Texas, The Texas Army, The Heritage Museum - Montgomery, County, The Lone Star Volunteers and the Rolling Thunder cannon. Cinco de Mayo (the victory of Mexican army over French army in the first Battle of Puebla) will be remembered. [True Texas historians will recall that the victorious Mexican army was led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin who was born in Goliad, Texas.] There will be numerous reenactors portraying famous Texans as well as Texian soldiersof the Texas Revolution. Festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. with the firing of the cannon "Rolling Thunder." Hope to see all of you there.



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SAN JACINTO DAY FESTIVAL AND BATTLE REENACTMENT ON APRIL 21, 2012

The Battle of San Jacinto

Presented by H-E-B

Battle recognized as one of the top ten battles of the world to change history

Houston, TX — Booming cannons, cracking musket fire, thundering hooves and battle cries will resound across the San Jacinto Battleground on Saturday, April 21, as hundreds of history reenactors recreate the events leading up to Texas winning its independence at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto.

This dramatic battle reenactment is the centerpiece of the admission-free San Jacinto Day Festival, held on Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the grounds surrounding the San Jacinto Monument. Sponsored by the San Jacinto Museum of History, Texas Parks & Wildlife and the San Jacinto Volunteers, the festival is a full day of music, entertainment, food, games and fun set amidst living history.

The battle reenactment, which is the most popular event of the day, begins at 3 p.m. Presented by hundreds of members of the San Jacinto Volunteers and other living history organizations from across the state, the reenactment dramatizes the decisive battle where General Sam Houston led his Texian soldiers to victory over the Mexican Army eventually leading to almost one million square miles of Mexican territory becoming a part of the United States. The reenactors will dramatically interpret the Runaway Scrape (Texians fleeing from the advancing forces of Santa Anna), the cannon duel and the final battle between the two forces.

“It is so important to our mission that we are able to present this living, dynamic reenactment of Texas history for free, and that would not be possible without our Presenting Sponsor H-E-B, as well as The Dow Chemical Company, Vopak, Pasadena Strawberry Festival, and LyondellBasell,” says Larry Spasic, San Jacinto Museum of History President. “Just as important are our partners who help us coordinate this event, including the volunteers from San Jacinto College, Deer Park ISD and La Porte EMS.”

All festival activities are updated continually on the San Jacinto Museum of History website at www.sanjacinto-museum.org. Entertaining and educational activities scheduled as of March 27, 2012 include:

· New this year: Solero Flamenco presents a “fiery, passionate and virtuoso flamenco performance,” led by founders Irma La Paloma and Jeremías García.

· New this year: The Coleman Brothers: The Coleman brothers are true “road warriors” from Texas who have toured with Willie Nelson, Ray Price and many other Texas legends. They had two #1 independent hits last year with “Beer Thirty” and “Down by the Fishin’ Hole,” and are known for their pure true-to-life country music and trademark layered vocals.

· Liz Talley & Texas Swing: A native Houstonian, Liz started playing drums at the age of 14 and performed at dancehalls and clubs all around town. Listeners can expect pure country music, honkytonk and great Texas shuffles. Her music incorporates the sounds of today’s radio and the days of the Texas dancehalls, with twin fiddles and a steel guitar.

· New this year: J.R. Ancira: J.R. Ancira is a solo acoustic singer/songwriter that specializes in country, with a variety of cover songs plus his own originals. J.R. has been singing and playing guitar for the past 20 years and has a “one-of-a-kind” voice.

· Last Chance Forever, The Birds of Prey Conservancy, shows its magnificent birds including hawks, owls, eagles, falcons and vultures.

· The Celtaire String Band performs Americana period music using a variety of instruments including the fiddle, penny whistle, guitar, mandolin, spoons, scrub-board and limberjacks.

· Dan Barth will use his Medicine Show Wagon to tell the tales of special 19th century cure-all elixirs, and entertain with a little magic.

· New this year: Dr. Jesús F. de la Teja—the former State Historian of Texas, and presently the Distinguished Professor of History at Texas State Univ. and a board member of the San Jacinto Museum—will present a talk on “Antonio Menchaca and Santa Anna: An Unlikely Encounter” at 12:30 and 1:30 in the Monument’s theatre. Menchaca is one of the Tejano heroes of San Jacinto who had an encounter with Santa Anna following the general’s capture the day after the battle.

· Phydeaux’s Flying Flea Circus, which is “family-friendly, audience-interactive, historically accurate, educational street theatre” performed by the Flea Meister in period costume. The performance consists of “snake oil, comedy, tall tales, breathtaking feats of Phydeaux’s world famous acrobatic fleas and shameless hyperbole.”

· Blacksmiths, weavers, spinners, quilters and other demonstrators will give visitors a full sense of how life was in the early 1800s. Sutlers (civilians who sold provisions to military posts) will be on hand to sell or show their wares. The Tiny Town Texas display shows how towns were laid out in the 1800s.

· Visitors can wander freely among the Mexican and Texian camps of the reenactors to learn what the soldiers of that day were doing prior to the battle in 1836.

· Texas Parks & Wildlife Department will offer archery classes for young people.

· Visitors can also visit the restored marshlands and look for otters, great blue herons, osprey, mottled ducks and American avocets. The marsh is historically important because it barred the escape of many of General Santa Anna's troops during the 1836 battle.

· Members of the San Jacinto Descendants, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Sons of the Republic of Texas, as well as representatives from the Texas General Land Office and the Texas Independence Trail Region, will be on hand to share their history.

· Texas Independence Square Dancers—square dancers from various groups throughout Texas—will demonstrate square dancing and give lessons.

· Visitors can browse through the vendor area to admire unique hand-crafted items, Texas products and history-related items.

· Music from the North Harris County Dulcimer Society and the Celtaire String Band will entertain folks as they walk along the reflection pool.

· For a slight charge, festival goers can view the Making a Mark, Leaving a Legacy exhibit in the Monument which looks at the tools that have traditionally been used to make a mark, the people that have left a mark on our region, and the symbols that our predecessors used to convey important ideas and concepts.

· Monument visitors can take the famous 489-foot elevator ride to the top of the Monument; enjoy the digital presentation Texas Forever!! The Battle of San Jacinto; and view the museum’s latest exhibit Making a Mark, Leaving a Legacy. Combo tickets for the elevator ride, the exhibit and movie can be purchased for $12 for adults, $10.50 for seniors, and $8 for children.

· Battleship TEXAS, the first battleship memorial museum in the U.S., is located in the park and open for visitors. Fees for the Battleship TEXAS are $12 for adults, $6 for seniors, $3 for school and youth groups with a reservation, and free for children 12 and younger.

The Children's Area—sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company and Deer Park ISD—includes:

· A 55' train complete with train whistle and Texan and American flags.

· Make-and-take history activities and crafts created by Gifted/Talented specialists from Deer Park ISD; overseen by volunteer teachers from DPISD and student volunteers from San Jacinto College.

· The Houston ZooMobile with animals native to Texas, interesting demonstrations and nature games.

· Marsha's Petting Zoo with sheep, goats and other friendly small animals.

· In the military camps, a few lucky children will be chosen to stand with the cannon crew and pretend to load the cannons and will be presented with cannon soot to wear on their noses as a badge of honor.

“For the Texans, their victory at San Jacinto led to Texas’ annexation into the United States,” says Robert B. Hixon, Chairman of the Board, San Jacinto Museum. “In the end, the United States would gain not only Texas but also New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, California, Utah and parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming. It is easy to understand why the Battle of San Jacinto is recognized as one of the top ten battles of the world to change history.”

The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is located just 22 miles east of downtown Houston. Take Highway 225 east to Independence Parkway north (formerly Battleground Road) and continue for three miles.

Tips to further enjoy the 2012 festival:

· Do not take the ferry on I-10; because there is only one ferry working right now, the wait is long.

· Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets for comfortable viewing of the battle reenactment.

· Visitors should park at the first parking lot they come to and take the shuttle to the festival grounds; buses will stop at the farthest parking lots first, so those visitors will be first to board.

DISCOUNTED LODGING: Discounted room rates of $70 per night are available during the festival weekend, for the nights of April 20 and/or 21, at Hampton Inn Deer Park. For reservations, call 281.930.9091 and mention San Jacinto Day. Breakfast buffet and internet included.

For more information about the San Jacinto Museum of History or the San Jacinto Day Festival and Battle Reenactment, please call 281.479.2421 or visit www.sanjacinto-museum.org. For more information on the Battleship TEXAS, please contact the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department at 281.479.2431.
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COMMEMORATIVE CEREMONY: Each year the State of Texas officially marks the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21. Open to the public, this San Jacinto Day ceremony commemorating the battle’s 176th anniversary will be held on the northern steps of the San Jacinto Monument at 10 a.m., as the festival opens.