Texas History Books | Arcadia Publishing (2024)

Marvels of the Texas Plains

9781467152808

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Houston's River Oaks

9781467117340

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River Oaks is a name that has rung out in Houston, Texas, since its founding in 1923. The neighborhood's uncertain geographical boundaries may be a point of controversy, but the impact River Oaks has had on the city is indisputable. River Oaks has been home to astronauts who have contributed to American space exploration; lawyers who are involved in the interworking of the United States' legal system; oil tycoons who have helped Houston grow; and doctors who are responsible for inventing lifesaving medical procedures. The neighborhood is also home to one of the country's most exclusive country clubs, and River Oaks has been served by some of the same schools, churches, stores, and restaurants since its founding. This book explores how River Oaks not only celebrates, grieves, and lives life day-to-day, but also how it changes the world.

Laughlin Air Force Base

9781467107099

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Today, Laughlin Air Force Base is one of the busiest pilot-producing bases in the world. Named after Jack Thomas Laughlin, the base traces its history back to 1942. During World War II, the base was called Laughlin Field and trained bomber pilots in the B-26 Marauder. The base closed in 1945, after the war, but reopened again as an Air Force base in 1952 to train fighter pilots for the Korean War. It then took on a Cold War mission from 1957 to 1963. During this time, the base was home to the 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, which flew the U-2 spy plane. The 4080th played a key role in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. From 1961 onward, however, Laughlin has served primarily as an undergraduate pilot training base, helping hundreds of brave men and women, every year, earn their wings as military aviators.

Crosby

9781467106177

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The town of Crosby is one of the oldest settlements in Texas and has a rich history that began in 1823, when Humphrey Jackson built a cabin on Jackson Bayou near the San Jacinto River. Humphrey was a lawyer readying for a position in the Irish parliament. His family was part of the Irish aristocracy and had supported a bloody rebellion that lost to Great Britain. Like Humphrey, many of his family members fled to America. His cousins included US president Andrew Jackson and state senator James Jackson, the wealthiest man in Alabama. Humphrey faced tremendous challenges in his dream to build a new settlement in what would be East Harris County. The Karankawa Indians, who often cannibalized their enemies, occupied much of the area. Unfortunately, the early death of his wife and the eventual premature death of Humphrey himself ended the dream. The settlement he started sat virtually idle for over a decade until 1860, when one of the state's earliest railways renamed the settlement Gentry.

Lubbock

9781467108614

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Since its earliest days, the city of Lubbock has actively pursued opportunities and infrastructure for its citizens. Highlighted in this book are homes, businesses, buildings, and quality-of-life spaces that speak to this heritage.

Crowley

9781467108287

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Established around 1848 as Deer Creek Settlement, Crowley grew from a small pioneering community just south of Fort Worth, Texas. When Galveston, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad Company constructed a rail line during the 1870s connecting Cleburne to Fort Worth, the settlement relocated about a mile west. The first train ran through Crowley on December 8, 1881. An integral part of Crowley's growth, the railroad provided ease of shipping cattle and crops and access to transportation. Cattle were either loaded on to railcars or unloaded and sent directly to stock pens. From there they went straight to an auction barn. A feed mill was built, and grocery and hardware stores soon opened. Records indicate that the first post office was housed in Hayes Brothers General Store and opened in 1883. Crowley was officially on the map as a thriving town. By the end of the 20th century, Crowley boasted approximately 8,000 residents. Since then, the population size has doubled.

The Twelve Days of Christmas--in Texas, That Is

9781589809246

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Told with a Texas twang, this tale features a dozen icons of the Lone Star state. Clever rhymes count down the days of Christmas, revealing such surprise gifts as silver spurs, oil wells, and armadillos. Festive illustrations fill the pages of this western romp.

Hill Country Hindsights

9781467153522

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Encounter fascinating characters and forgotten stories from the Texas Hill Country's past, before the crowds and amenities made life complicated. Settled by German immigrants in the 1840s, Fredericksburg's corner of the Texas Hill Country bustles with the trendy energy of an international tourist destination. But there was a time not long ago when the quiet community remained off the beaten path, even if it continued to draw in luminaries like O. Henry, Buck Taylor and Bob Hope. A working knowledge of Town Creek German wasn't necessary, but it sure came in handy. From the White Elephant Saloon to the 87 Drive-In, Michael Barr tours the bygone byways of the Hill Country, showcasing the heritage that predates the overbooked wine tours and vacation rentals.

Due Santi and the University of Dallas

9781467147651

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With a name bearing witness to Peter and Paul's meeting on the Appian Way, Due Santi has been the setting for a thousand different stories. This collection celebrates twenty-five years of such stories at the current campus and half a century of the University of Dallas Rome Program. The narrative stretches from last semester's G[r]eek Olympics to the chariot races of ancient Bovillae and strolls from the history of the villa to the future of the vineyard. Anyone who still dreams of Due Santi will instantly recognize the timeless landscape and the people who lovingly made it home, even if only for a little while.

Houston Heights

9781467124294

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Founded in 1891, Houston Heights, one of the earliest and largest planned communities in the state of Texas, weathered the national decline of urban neighborhoods and has entered an era of growth, new construction, and a denser use of its space. Located approximately three miles from downtown Houston (the fourth-largest city in the nation), Houston Heights is now prime real estate. As townhomes, condos, and large apartment complexes continue to be built, the area's "small-town feel" has become diluted. Houston Heights is struggling to maintain its walkability, residents are trying to remain connected to their neighbors, and preservationists are striving to save its history. Almost everyone who lives here appreciates the quirkiness of the neighborhood, the visual impact of art that is part of their daily lives, the ethnic diversity, and the respect that residents show toward young and the old. Three City of Houston historic districts preserve portions of the neighborhood's traditional fabric.

Caprock Chronicles

9781467150804

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The hardpan layer of the Caprock undergirds the high plains of the Llano Estacado, where it has resisted erosion with the same tenacity that it has collected stories. From Apache hunting grounds to Mennonite settlements, the region is no stranger to the searching gaze of the weary traveler. Follow the career of Texas Tech's Señor Sack, the lure of the Wolfcamp Shale and the bloom of the Tahoka daisy. In this exceptional collection of forty-eight essays from local contributors, David Murrah and John T. "Jack" Becker continue the work of cataloguing the memory of the mesa.

Thurber

9781467105569

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Once a busy industrial town of nearly 10,000, Thurber now boasts a residency of less than 10. For approximately 50 years, from 1886 to 1936, migrants from the United States, Mexico, Russia, Britain, and Eastern and Western Europe mined bituminous coal, manufactured bricks, and provided the labor for all of the residual businesses in an entirely company-owned town. The rich history of Thurber includes big-city investors, Texas Rangers, labor unions, railroads, sports, opera, diversity, tragedy, triumph, and the everyday lives of men, women, and children.

Tyler

9780738548418

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Nestled in the beautiful Piney Woods of East Texas, Tyler is known as the "Rose Capital of America." While the moniker is well-deserved given the local rose industry, the Rose Festival, and its claim to America's largest municipal rose garden, Tyler's history is just as colorful as any rose. From the days when it hosted the largest Confederate prisoner-of-war camp west of the Mississippi River, through the years when cotton, fruit trees, and then roses became the local cash crops, to the time when the East Texas oil field was discovered and launched a new economy, Tyler boasts a fascinating past.

Around Dripping Springs

9780738585222

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Now known as the "Gateway to the Hill Country," this small, historic town was once just a stagecoach stop between Austin and San Antonio. Founded by three pioneer families arriving from Mississippi in early 1854, the area was originally occupied by Tonkawa Indians. Despite an increasing pace of growth, the agrarian lifestyle established by the founding families continues to be preserved by farmers and ranchers, and the town remains committed to preserving its history. A local walking tour features a variety of sites, from the namesake Indian watering hole in town to the restored Dr. Pound Pioneer Farmstead at Founder's Park. Another landmark is the world-famous Salt Lick BBQ, where hundreds of visitors gather nightly to mingle with the locals and enjoy a delicious "taste" of history. Still, the main attractions to life in Dripping Springs continue to be what drew the original founders: simple charm, a family lifestyle, and lifelong friendships--all set in the beauty of the central Texas hill country.

Bell County

9781467134675

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The establishment of Fort Hood during World War II ushered in a period of rapid progress for Bell County. Its predominately agrarian identity was transformed into a modern, multidimensional economy focused on defense, health care, education, transportation, and heritage tourism. Beginning in the 1960s, the county experienced a population shift to the suburbs, and its numbers tripled, from 94,097 in 1960 to 310,235 in 2010. The Centroplex of Killeen, Belton, and Temple is one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas. In 2014, Killeen ranked 18th in the nation for growth. US News & World Report ranked Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Temple 10th among Texas hospitals for 2014-2015. Today, the culturally diverse population respects its history and anticipates a bright future for the county.

Historic Texas Gyms

9781467141598

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For generations of small-town Texans, the school gymnasium was the hub of the community. If it was a Tuesday night in Texline, most folks could be found in the old tin barn of a gym, rooting for their Tornadoes against the arch-rival Adrian Matadors. Transcending the role of a sports arena, the gym also provided a place to gather in celebration or shelter in crisis. Sadly, with the dramatic reduction of school districts around the state, many of the polished floorboards that once hosted graduations and beauty pageants now splinter beneath the weight of storage, farm equipment and guano-covered junk. From the pickup basketball game Elvis played in Hawkins to the tragic account of four Ennis war heroes, Jackie McBroom recounts stories from these beloved halls.

The San Marcos 10

9781467141277

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Lampasas County

9781467108935

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Lampasas County's sulfur springs fueled early success in the region, but when the railroad extended past its small towns, prosperity waned. Today, Lampasas enjoys a renaissance as crowds, real estate prices, and high taxes drive people from the big cities into the countryside. These newcomers have taken an interest in the history of the county and have worked alongside natives to restore many historic sites.

Mount Pleasant

9781467107730

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Lush pastures, babbling creeks, seven lakes, and piney timber woods surround a community that has seen considerable growth and expansion in the last few decades. As the hub of Northeast Texas, Mount Pleasant has a delightfully storied past that natives fondly remember and newcomers have yet to learn.

Rise to the Occasion

9781589808560

Regular price $35.00 Sale price $17.50 Save 50%

The owners of rise n° 1 restaurant share their take on cooking and entertaining in this beautifully photographed book. Recipes for soufflés, salads, soups, seafoods, tarts, and more illustrate their dedication to food and tradition. Do not miss some of their favorite guests and coveted annual events, which you will find covered throughout the book. Anecdotes and ideas for entertaining round out this charming volume.

Erath County

9781467108454

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Carved from central Comancheria, Erath (EE-rath) County was created by stock raisers and settlers with little to lose but hopes and dreams. Bisected by Grand Prairie and Western Cross Timbers, this is where East Texas ends and West Texas begins. The Bosque and Paluxy Rivers welcomed ranchers, farmers, millers, and ginners. Rustlers, deserters, train robbers, vigilantes, lawmen, and Texas Rangers soon followed. Faith, education, life, and death cultivated villages with churches, schools, stores, and cemeteries in walking distance. Bridges, roads, and railways meant the life or death of a township. This volume commemorates the people, places, and events of lost communities that made the "Cowboy Capital of the World'? what it is today.

The Texas Nutcracker

9781455623310

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In this Texas-themed retelling of the classic Nutcracker story, historical details blend with fiction and magic warps reality at Fort Davis. It's December 24, 1883 and Colonel Grierson has brought Centennia a nutcracker who looks just like a Texas soldier! When the clock strikes midnight the goose feather tree grows as she and the broken nutcracker are transported to a magical realm, where the Rattlesnake King attacks and the Bluebonnet Fairy invites her to a fabulous celebration. Dancing denizens of the Land of the Wildflowers entertain them before the nutcracker soldier tucks her under a cozy quilt. An author's note gives a bit of historical context to this charming version of a familiar holiday tale.

San Antonio's Historic Market Square -- Spanish Language Edition - La Histórica Plaza del Mercado en San Antonio

9781467127363

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San Antonio fue fundada en 1718, para 1730 el virrey de Nueva España emitió órdenes de trazar mapas de plazas y parques para la llegada de los isleños de las Canarias en 1731. Las plazas con sus mercados se convirtieron en centros de negocios y entretenimiento. La primera fue Plaza de las Armas y cuando los isleños llegaron, marcaron Plaza de las Islas (Plaza Principal). Plaza del à lamo era el centro de comercio antes de la guerra civil; al ir creciendo San Antonio los mercados se tuvieron que relocalizar. La construcción del Mercado Municipal empezó en 1899. �ste fue construido en Plaza Paschal y demolido en los 1930s pero el anexo del Mercado Municipal, construido en los 1920s, sobrevivió. Los anexos se convirtieron en El Mercado y Centro de Artes. En los 1970s, un edificio permanente para el mercado de agricultores fue construido en la Plaza de Zacate. Hoy éstos, con los edificios históricos en el área, son conocidos como El Mercado.

Austin’s Flower Hill Legacy

9781467149396

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For nearly a century and a half, the Smoot family "cooperated with nature" to create the vibrant Texas wildscape of the Flower Hill Estate on West Sixth Street. But the generosity of spirit that cultivated that sanctuary extends beyond the iron fence surrounding the property. Institutions like the Central Presbyterian Church, the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, the Austin American-Statesman, the Texas state capitol, The University of Texas and Travis and Austin High Schools all owe an incalculable debt to Flower Hill residents. Author Rosa Latimer traces the positive legacy of Flower Hill and the influential Austin family who lived there.

The Texas Ranch Sisterhood

9781625858481

Regular price $29.99 Sale price $14.99 Save 50%

Most people may think of ranchers and cowboys as men. But although they are under-chronicled, ranch women work from dark to dark, keeping step with hired hands, brothers, fathers and husbands. They blaze trails through unforgiving scrub. They cook supper and feed bulls. At any given time, they wear the hats-and the gloves-of geologist, veterinarian, lawyer and mechanic. They are fierce and feminine and powerful. Photojournalist and writer Alyssa Banta spent over a year following more than a dozen Texas women through their grueling daily routines, from the messy confines of the working chute to the sprawling reaches of the back pasture. The result of this unprecedented access is an intimate portrait of the challenges and achievements of the ranch women of the Lone Star State, along with the land and livestock that sustain them.

Anderson County

9780738584621

Regular price $24.99 Sale price $12.49 Save 50%

From its roots in the unbroken wilderness of central East Texas, Anderson County has overcome many adversities to become the crossroads of East Texas. In the 1830s, rugged pioneers came to the fertile Trinity River Valley to carve out a place for themselves from the untamed country. These pioneers began a settlement along a stream about 10 miles east of the Trinity River in what would become Anderson County. Other families joined their effort, and Fort Houston was soon built in 1835-1836 to protect settlers from the dangers inherent to the wild frontier. Lost in the passage of time, many communities no longer exist. Today the principal towns are Palestine, Frankston, and Elkhart, but many other communities contribute to the quality of life across the county.

Vegan Survival Guide to Austin

9781626198586

Regular price $19.99 Sale price $9.99 Save 50%

In the land of barbecue, Austin has become a vegan's paradise. Vegan trailers, restaurants, tacos, ice cream and even barbecue have taken root in Austin in a big way. From queso and cupcakes to macrobiotic feasts and tempting tempeh, the Capital City has elevated cruelty-free cuisine to new heights. With this handy guide, navigate all that Austin's busy vegan scene has to offer. Discover the festivals, blogs, locally made goods and entrepreneurs who have built a community around plant-based living. Sample recipes of local vegan chefs, find the ideal vegan brunch and get hooked on Austin's endless variety of vegan mac and cheese. From Congress to Chavez, North Loop to Lady Bird Lake, authors and vegans Julie Wernersbach and Carolyn Tracy dive into the history, heart and hot spots of Austin's vegan landscape.

Come 'n Git It! Cookie and His Cowboy Chuck Wagon

9781455626168

Regular price $17.99 Sale price $8.99 Save 50%

In this colorful tale of the food culture of cattle drives in the 1800s, chuckwagon chef Cookie takes young readers along on a rootin'-tootin' adventure. The days start at three o'clock in the morning, when Cookie makes coffee so thick "you could float a horseshoe on it!" With informational sidebars, a historical note, bibliography, and glossary for cowboy food terms such as "calf slobbers" and "swamp seed," this spirited picture book brings the tastes and smells of the Old West alive!

Marshall

9780738579030

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Nestled among towering pine trees in East Texas is the city of Marshall. Marshall is closely identified with Caddo Lake, a massive body of water located northeast of the town. According to the Caddo Indians who first inhabited this land, the mysterious lake was formed overnight from an earthquake. Spanish and French explorers sought to claim the land as their own in the 16th century, and American settlers arrived here in about 1830. The city of Marshall was founded in 1842, eventually becoming the county seat of Harrison County. With the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railroad after the Civil War, Marshall became known as the "Gateway to Texas," and the town prospered. Today education plays an important role in the local economy, and Marshall is the home of Wiley College, East Texas Baptist University, and Texas State Technical Institute. Life in Marshall continues to revolve around the town square, with the majestic, restored courthouse at its center.

Helotes

9780738579443

Regular price $24.99 Sale price $12.49 Save 50%

A small town with a big history, Helotes--20 miles northwest of downtown San Antonio--was named for the Spanish word elotes, or corn on the cob. So extensive were the fields of corn along its namesake creek, a Spanish official in 1723 called the area el Puerto de los Olotes, or Corncob Pass. When settlers later arrived, few ancient cornfields remained. Situated along Bandera Road, the town became a stagecoach stop, and a post office was established in 1873. Nevertheless, the settlement remained rural for the next 100 years. Helotes, known as a place to "let down yer hair and kick up yer heels," solidified its reputation in 1946, when John T. Floore Country Store, a dance hall and concert venue for top-rated country musicians, opened for business in downtown Helotes. The annual Cornyval Festival, inaugurated in 1966, continues this tradition. Incorporated in 1981, the town provides a verdant and hilly escape from the city.