Podcasts about wise about texas

Northeastern New Mexico was a hotbed (pun intended) of volcanic activity. Over time, those volcanoes became extinct. But one still served a very important purpose for Texas trail drivers. Learn about a very interesting trail marker in this episode of Wise About Texas.

The Republic of Texas Congress formed the first state Supreme Court in 1836. However, the Court really didn't meet in any significant way until 1840 under the leadership of Chief Justice John Hemphill. Being Chief Justice was a little different then. It meant fighting Indians, mastering Spanish law, and even leading an expedition to invade Mexico! Chief Justice John Hemphill did it all. Learn more about one of Texas' greatest jurists in this episode of Wise About Texas.

What's an upper-crust lady from Kentucky society doing in one of the worst and most dangerous areas of Texas? Dealing cards, of course. Not only that, she was one of the most successful professional gamblers in the 19th century. She was pretty, fashionable, and not afraid to pull a gun. She also interacted with legendary characters such as Doc Holliday. Hear the story of Lottie Deno in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

Barbed wire revolutionized livestock fencing. What a great invention...or so it was thought. The real effect was the gradual elimination of the open range and the free grazing and watering of cattle. Cooperation was discouraged and now it would be every man for himself. This didn't sit well with the "free grazers" and the war started. Learn more in this episode of Wise About Texas.

For centuries, Indians knew where to get water on the desolate terrain of what would become West Texas. One of those spots came to be known as the Van Horns Wells. Named for one of two possible military commanders, the wells watered men, horses, and eventually a railroad. With railroads come towns and the town of Van Horn has seen a lot. From horses to spaceships (?) Van Horn is an interesting Texas spot. Learn more in this latest episode of Wise About Texas.

You can't go anywhere in Texas without running into "the devil's rope"--barbed wire. It keeps livestock in AND out. It protects property and discourages trespassers. But barbed wire hasn't been around all that long. When it came, it changed the face of Texas and the West. It also made some people very, very wealthy. Learn how "bob wire" took over Texas in this latest episode of Wise About Texas

You think our elections are divisive today? Well, Texas is just continuing a long tradition of candidates running hard and stirring the pot. In the Republic of Texas the presidential term was only two years, so the elections came frequently. They were contentious to say the least. Old enemies became worse enemies, and the name-calling was classic. Here about an early Texas presidential election in this episode of Wise About Texas.

In the early part of the Civil War, a group of German Freethinkers got together to design and manufacture a revolver for use by the Confederate forces. These Germans were intellectuals, engineers, farmers and...unionists! Nevertheless they designed a new revolver, making 6 total. The gun proved impractical, however, so they ceased production. Only one of these guns is known to survive. But this story is about much more than a gun. Get a feel for some of the German immigrants who came to Texas in the middle 19th century in this episode of Wise About Texas.

The American Buffalo, or Bison, is an iconic image of America. At one point, millions of these huge animals roamed the continent. But settlement and commercial hunting rendered the bison all but extinct. Thanks to the forward thinking of a few cattlemen, the species was saved. But the early twentieth century was a sporting time, and certain questions needed answers. To a few folks from Texas, Mexico, and North Dakota, the burning question was which animal was tougher--a Mexican fighting bull or a buffalo? Well, now we know. Hear the story of an epic battle in this episode of Wise About Texas.

As the winter of 1835 approached, the Texian army lay siege to San Antonio de Bexar. When rumors started that a pack train was approaching the town carrying silver for the troops, the Texians saw opportunity. Riding out to meet the enemy, the Texians were successful...sort of. Learn about this skirmish in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

Subscribe to The Texan: https://thetexan.news/subscribe/For our special edition Thanksgiving podcast, The Texan is joined by Justice Ken Wise, the host of the Texas history podcast Wise About Texas.Justice Wise serves on the 14th Court of Appeals in Houston, but also has a passion to preserve and promote the rich history of the Lone Star State.This week, we dive into the claim that the first Thanksgiving was actually celebrated in Texas by a Spanish conquistador near present-day El Paso.Read more about the background of the story here: https://thetexan.news/texas-history/texas-claims-the-first-thanksgiving-celebration-in-america/article_acee2e3e-8587-11ee-a63a-7fc3b26b1ec8.htmlListen to Wise About Texas: https://wiseabouttexas.com/episodes-list/

Sarah Jane Newman grew up tough in a family that came with Austin's Old 300. She watched her mother fight off Indians and became an expert judge of horses. Known as Sally Skull, she could outride, outshoot and outtrade any man. But she also lived at the intersection of history and legend, in a time when most folks would prefer the legend. Hear about the fascinating life of a very interesting Texas woman in this latest episode of Wise About Texas.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo is world famous for its 72 oz. steak challenge. If you can eat a 72 oz steak (that's 4 1/2 pounds!), and all the sides, you get it for free and all the accolades that accompany such a tremendous accomplishment. Many have tried, but only a few have done it. However, Wise About Texas was lucky to be in attendance when an Australian competitive eater named James Webb completed the challenge in six minutes and twenty-eight seconds. That's the second fastest time in history! James went on to finish a strong third in the annual Nathan's Famous hot-dog eating contest on July 4, 2023. In this interview, James talks about his road to becoming the number one competitive eater in Australia and one of the top 10 in the world. He also gives some tips and tricks for winning your own eating challenges, and maybe at the Big Texan! So grab a snack and check out this bonus episode of Wise About Texas.

Issac Desha had a checkered past. Though he was the son of a Governor, something just wasn't right. When he was spotted with a dead man's horse, things got "interesting." He ended up in San Felipe before the revolution but his prospects didn't improve much. Hear about a murder in early Texas in this latest episode of Wise About Texas.

The September term of the Bexar County District Court was a bad time to be set for trial. Find out why in this bonus episode of Wise About Texas.

Some people are just natural leaders. That was Matthew "Old Paint" Caldwell. He rallied men for several of the most important battles in Texas history. In between, he protected the young Republic of Texas from hostile Indians and hostile armies. Not even smallpox could bring him down! Hear about one of the early Texas Rangers and great Texas patriot Matthew Caldwell in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

She grew up a poor Native American in rural Texas during the depression. But if you think she even noticed, you don't know Osjetea Briggs. She became a world-renowned photographer, portrait artist and newspaper publisher. Oh, and she was a columnist and politico too. Full of wisdom, she demonstrates the best of Texas grit and determination. Learn about an interesting Texan in this episode of Wise About Texas.

Justice Ken Wise is a Judge for the Texas 14th Court of Appeals and host of the award winning podcast Wise About Texas. We both believe that Podcasting has changed the game when it comes to education. Listen to his podcast | Wise About Texas on Apple or Spotify!Full Interview with Justice Ken Wise: https://www.galvestonunscripted.com/justice-ken-wise-wise-about-galvestonCheck out our audio tour and interactive map: https://www.galvestonunscripted.com/Find us on social media: https://www.galvestonunscripted.com/insta

Justice Ken Wise is a Judge for the Texas 14th Court of Appeals and host of the award winning podcast Wise About Texas. He tells us why Native American oral history is so important and why we should understand the lessons.Listen to his podcast | Wise About Texas on Apple or Spotify!Full Interview with Justice Ken Wise: https://www.galvestonunscripted.com/justice-ken-wise-wise-about-galvestonCheck out our audio tour and interactive map: https://www.galvestonunscripted.com/Find us on social media: https://www.galvestonunscripted.com/insta

There has been one, and only one, assassination of a Texas state official and it happened in 1903. It occurred in the State Capitol building, the same one you can visit today. Hear about a disgruntled employee, a letter, and a gun in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

Dr. John Brinkley had figured out how to beat the system and built the most powerful radio station in the world. The entire United States could now hear what he was selling. Music was a big part of that and Border Blaster XERA introduced Americans to gospel, the blues, Tejano...and provided the first nationwide exposure to a family band that would change American music forever. Hear what was on the "X" in this latest episode of Wise About Texas.

Dr. John Brinkley claimed to have the miracle operation for male "rejuvenation." Dr. John Brinkley was also a quack who bought his medical degree for $100. Nevertheless, he became one of the best-known doctors in the nation. Harnessing the new power of radio, Dr. Brinkley drew thousands to his small clinic in Kansas. But the American Medical Association caught up with him and he had to make a run for the border. So Brinkley came to Texas and, inadvertently, changed American music forever. Hear about Dr. John Brinkley and border radio in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

In the 1920s, U.S. military aviation was in its early stages. New uses for air power were discovered frequently. The new flying machines would allow military and civilian authorities to patrol dangerous, remote areas more effectively. Few areas in the U.S. were more remote, or more dangerous, than the Mexican border in far west Texas. Revolution, banditry and violence were commonplace. The military needed an airfield from which to operate, but where? Elmo and Ada Johnson had the the perfect spot, and one of the most unique and popular airfields in U.S. history, Johnson's Ranch, was born. Learn more about the time when airplanes came to the Big Bend in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

In the school days, most of us snored through history class.  But as we get older, we realize the importance of our past. If you ignore history, you miss out on valuable connections… and you risk investing in assets that plummet to zero.  Today's guest is Ken Wise, a justice on the 14th Court of Appeals. In 2015, he started Wise About Texas, a Texas history podcast. Today, he's here to show you how you can apply Texas history to improve your quality of life and leave a lasting legacy.  In this episode, you'll discover how a little Texas history knowledge helps you build a valuable network, get through difficult times, and even become a better investor.  Listen now Show Highlights Include:  The “when I get around to it” method that lets you build a legacy on the side (even if you're swamped with work in your day job) (5:37)  Why learning about the early settlements of Texas helps you perform better at your job (6:55) How a little “irrelevant” history knowledge lets you make meaningful friendships that reward you for decades (9:57)  Why 19th Century investment advice lets you avoid Bitcoin bubbles (10:36) Two gifts that set your children up for a life of wealth (even though they cost almost nothing) (12:39)

Shortly after the civil war, Appalachia came to Austin.  Known as the cedar choppers, migrants from the mountains moved into the limestone hills of western Travis County.  They kept to themselves, didn't like outsiders, and loved a good fight.  But the city dwellers loved to hunt in the hills.  Hunting their game and shooting guns in their hills didn't sit well with the cedar choppers.  Finally, dogs started getting shot.  When one cedar chopper was brought to trial, we'd see who had the bigger claim to Travis County.  Learn about the Travis County dog wars in the latest episode of Wise About Texas. 

What is it about Texas mothers? They are tough, smart, and resourceful. Nothing phases a Texas mom, they can do it all! That was certainly true of Mary Christian Burleson. Mary was a mom to 7 and stepmom to 12. She was a pioneer, a farmer and a stock raiser. She faced hostile Indians and the tragedy of widowhood. She lost a child but raised, educated and inspired even more. She was a businesswoman and education advocate. In short, she saw it all. Oh, and she founded a town. Learn about a remarkable Texas mom in the latest episode of Wise About Texas. 

Every Easter Eve, the hill country around Fredericksburg comes alive with huge bonfires. Some say this tradition came from Germany, some say the Indians started it, and some say the Easter Bunny is doing some cooking. Hear about the Fredericksburg Easter fires in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

March 27, 1836 was Palm Sunday, a holy day. But the Mexican dictator Santa Anna didn't care, he was out for blood. He ordered hundreds of Texian prisoners executed in cold blood at the Presidio La Bahia at Goliad. The prisoners were split into groups and marched away from the fort. The soldiers proceeded to kill all the prisoners...or did they. Hear a harrowing tale of survival and freedom in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

Dr. Amos Pollard was a Massachusetts yankee seeking a new start and prosperity in Texas. He dared the Mexican army to "come and take it," and served as an army doctor during the siege of Bexar. He would die defending the Alamo. Dr. Pollard wanted freedom for Texas and a chance to make an impact for the good of the country. Learn about this Alamo hero in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

She arrived from Germany with very little, not even speaking English. She braved indian attacks, frontier outlaws and a civil war to become a cattle queen and a bank president. Learn about a great Texas entrepreneur in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

The Lea family were patriots.  Father Albert Lea was born in Tennessee and served in the Army after graduating West Point.  He went on to serve in various capacities by appointment of several different presidents.  His son attended the Naval academy and shot through the ranks as a Naval Officer.  But as the civil war approached, patriotism stood to pit father against son as each had to choose which country to fight for.  They would meet again, however, on the field of battle.  Learn the tragic tale of two good military men doing their best, and the tragic circumstances that war can bring, in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

The Lea family were patriots.  Father Albert Lea was born in Tennessee and served in the Army after graduating West Point.  He went on to serve in various capacities by appointment of several different presidents.  His son attended the Naval academy and shot through the ranks as a Naval Officer.  But as the civil war approached, patriotism stood to pit father against son as each had to choose which country to fight for.  They would meet again, however, on the field of battle.  Learn the tragic tale of two good military men doing their best, and the tragic circumstances that war can bring, in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

The Texas Historical Commission is creating the opportunity to step back in time and visit the capital of Austin's colony, San Felipe de Austin. Reproductions of some of the town buildings will now sit mere yards from their original locations. Find out about this exciting new project from the project historian Michael Rugeley Moore in this bonus episode of Wise About Texas.

More and more, advocacy is usurping an accurate telling of history. The question is can they actually work together? And how often was advocacy done with contemporary works in order to preserve certain views? The Sons of History discuss this and more with Justice Ken Wise, of the 14th Court of Appeals in Texas and the creator of the Wise About Texas podcast, and Dr. Stephen Hardin, prominent Texas historian and professor of history at McMurry University in Abilene. As always, Dustin Bass and Alan Wakim give their book and movie recommendations, as well as their choices for This Week in History. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and a review if you enjoy the show.

The western frontier of Texas moved backwards during the Civil War. Indian raids pushed the settlers toward safer ground. After the war, the raiding had become so bad that something had to be done. The federal government thought leading with diplomacy would solve the problem but the Texans wanted military action. An 1871 attack on a wagon train and the subsequent efforts to impose the rule of law on the frontier proved a turning point in U.S./Indian relations. Ripped from today's headlines, the Indian Trial teaches us valuable lessons...if we choose to learn. Learn more in Part 1 of the the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

Freshwater pearls have always been valuable finds, but one man found one in 1909 that was said to be worth a ton of money! All of a sudden, East Texas experienced a pearl boom. One person reported watching a thousand people combing lake bottoms hoping to strike it rich. Hear about the East Texas pearl frenzy in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

In the early 1920's, the City of Houston was building what would come to be known as Hermann Park. Its centerpiece was to be a statue of Sam Houston. Enrico Cerracchio won the contract and his creation was lauded nationwide. But one person really didn't like it...Sam Houston's son. He hated it so much, a Judge had to get involved. Hear about the story of Sam's statue in this episode of Wise About Texas.

Galveston native Sam Collins III had a vision to bring Texas history and the Juneteenth story to its home in a grand way. Enlisting the help of a team of artists, technology experts, and the Galveston community, the Juneteenth Legacy Project came to life at the very site where General Granger issued General Order No. 3. Learn about Galveston's newest civic asset and the need for more Texas history, not less, from Sam Collins III in this bonus episode of Wise About Texas.

On June 19, 1865, union general Gordon Granger landed in Galveston and issued some general orders. His General Order No. 3 informed the people of Texas that all the slaves in Texas were now free. Since then, "Juneteenth" has been celebrated in Texas as the anniversary of emancipation. Juneteenth became an official Texas state holiday in 1980. In 2021, the U.S. followed Texas' lead and now a fateful day in Texas history is a holiday for the entire nation. Learn the history behind the emancipation proclamation and General Order No. 3 from the author who literally wrote the book on Juneteenth in this episode of Wise About Texas.

Discover why Justice Ken Wise (a judge for Place 7 of the Texas Fourteenth District Court of Appeals, and Founder of the Wise About Texas podcast) claims it's important for any leader to study history, and how his blind spot led him to push the reset button (11 minutes). CEO BLINDSPOTS PODCAST GUEST: Justice Ken Wise, Founder of the Wise About Texas podcast. Justice Ken Wise was appointed to the 14th Court of Appeals by Governor Rick Perry in October 2013. Prior to his appointment, Justice Wise served as the judge of the 334th Judicial District Court, administrative judge of Harris County, and an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center. Justice Wise is also a former judge of the 152nd Judicial District Court in Harris County. Ken Wise is a judge for Place 7 of the Texas Fourteenth District Court of Appeals. His current term ends on December 31, 2026. Justice Wise started the Wise About Texas podcast to preserve and promote Texas history. It has become an award-winning podcast with over 800,000 downloads in over 150 countries. In addition, Justice Wise received the honor of being recognized by the House of Representatives on the occasion of the 100th Episode of Wise About Texas; https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/87R/billtext/html/HR00965I.htm For more information about Justice Ken Wise and the Wise About Texas podcast, visit; http://wiseabouttexas.com/ You can email Justice Ken Wise at host@wiseabouttexas.com CEO BLINDSPOTS HOST: Birgit Kamps. She was speaking five languages by the age of 10, and lived in five countries with her Dutch parents prior to becoming an American citizen. Birgit's professional experience includes starting and selling HireSynergy LLC, an “Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Private Company” and a “Best Company to Work for in Texas”, and serving as a Board Member with various companies. In addition, Birgit is the President of Hire Universe LLC, and the host of the CEO Blindspots podcast which was recognized in 2020 by Spotify for having the “biggest listener growth” in the USA (by 733%), and having listeners in 11 countries; https://ceoblindspots.com/

The victorious Texians only carried one flag into the Battle of San Jacinto. It was a gift from the citizens of Newport, Kentucky to Sidney Sherman. After the revolution, the flag was sent back to Kentucky. But after several decades, the flag found its permanent home. Learn the fate of the San Jacinto battle flag in this episode of Wise About Texas.

One of the darkest events in Texas history was the massacre of the Texians at Goliad. Learn stories of deceit, escape and even kindness in the midst of sorrow in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

In 1896, the biggest sporting event in the nation was to be a fight for the heavyweight championship.  But its location was a secret!  Armed Soldiers from Mexico, Arizona, and the Texas Rangers had it stopped, until the "Law West of the Pecos," Judge Roy Bean managed to take it international--sort of.  Learn about Texas ingenuity in Episode 8 of Wise About Texas. Heavyweight champ Bob Fitzsimmons Legendary lawman Bat Masterson....no match for a Texas Ranger Texas Ranger Captain Bill McDonald...one riot, one ranger. The old Sanderson depot where Bat Masterson learned to behave himself Judge Roy Bean, the law west of the Pecos The Fitzsimmons-Maher fight. On a sandbar in the Rio Grande.  

170 years ago today, December 29, the United States admitted Texas as the 28th State. Learn about what Texas President Anson Jones called the "great drama" in this episode of Wise About Texas! Anson Jones, the last President of the Republic of Texas U.S. President James Polk Site of the Texas legation in London Another shot of the location of the Texas Embassy in London

The story of the first thanksgiving is not the one you might think.  Before the pilgrims, Texas already had a thanksgiving--and now we have two!  Learn more in this bonus episode of Wise About Texas.  Happy thanksgiving!   Governor Peter H. Bell proclaimed in 1850 that Thanksgiving in Texas be celebrated on the first Thursday in March. That proclamation stands. A crossing on the Prairie Dog Fork of the Red River in Palo Duro Canyon. Did Coronado celebrate thanksgiving here in 1541?

Download this episode and hear the story of the first large battle of the Texas revolution.  While the first shots of the Texas revolution were fired at Gonzales, the first larger battle, and the first Texan casualty, was fought near a mission south of present-day San Antonio.  This episode takes you back 180 years to the battle of Concepcion. The church at Mission Concepcion Memorial marker to Richard Andrews

In this episode, we celebrate the rough and tumble world of Texas politics by examining the 1948 Senate election.  This election had strange events, Texas Rangers, guns and lawsuits!  Download this episode to learn how a small precinct in a small South Texas county changed the course of U.S. history! George B. Parr Gov. Coke Stevenson (holding cigar) at the hearing in Alice. The infamous Box 13  

This episode introduces two of the first judges of Texas--Josiah Hughes Bell and Benjamin Cromwell Franklin.  Download this episode to hear stories of Austin's Colony and how the provisional Texas government learned of the victory at San Jacinto.  You'll also hear about the time Texas engaged in an act of war against the United States! Judge Benjamin C. Franklin Grave of Judge Franklin in New City Cemetary, Galveston, Texas.

Welcome to Wise About Texas, the podcast about Texas history and culture.  This introductory episode tells you about the show, the host, and the goals of this podcast.  Subscribe to the show and enrich your knowledge of the Texas history stories you know and learn some Texas history you don't know!