Author Archives: Mustang
When Saints Became Sinners
Massacre in the Meadow After the original frontiersmen came the pioneers, men, women, and children who set out for the western frontier in family groups. In some cases, these family groups included “extended” relations. Generally, the pioneers agreed to meet … Continue reading
The Origins of Zorro
Most people in my generation grew up reading about or watching film serials and television programs about western heroes. We saw these heroes in such programs as The Lone Ranger, Lash Larue, The Cisco Kid, The Durango Kid, Roy Rogers, … Continue reading
At San Jacinto, 1836
The Mexican War of Independence was a long and bloody affair … as well as the genesis of much internal strife after 1821. Texas was part of Mexico, but sparsely populated with fewer than 3,500 residents and only around 200 … Continue reading
Mexican Texas
(Continued from last week) Filibuster Noun An irregular military adventurer, especially one who engages in an unauthorized military expedition into a foreign country to foment or support a revolution. The term filibuster derived from the old English word “freebooter,” by … Continue reading
Spanish Texas —Part V
(Continued from last week) The Neutral Zone (also called the Neutral Ground) became a large area where neither Spain or the United States exercised any jurisdiction or control. Within a short time, the zone became a sanctuary for the worst … Continue reading
Spanish Texas —Part IV
(Continued from Last Week) In 1806, the only towns in Texas were San Antonio (about 2,000 inhabitants), Goliad (1,400 people), and Nacogdoches (nearly 500 residents). Despite the dangers that constantly threatened them, several American families with good reputations settled near … Continue reading
Spanish Texas —Part III
(Continued from last week) In sixty years, the population of San Antonio de Béxar grew to around 1,700 people; only 400 of these were Spanish (loosely interpreted) with the rest being mestizos, Indians, and mulattos [1] (in Spanish, Culebras). Mulattos … Continue reading
Spanish Texas —Part II
In 1718, the Spaniards situated their new mission midway between the East Texas presidios and the “way-station” mission at San Antonio de Valero near the San Antonio River —150 miles northeast of Coahuila. This was Tonkawa territory [1]. At first, the … Continue reading
Spanish America
History is only valuable when presented in its unblemished condition. If presented in any other way, which is to say, watered down to placate the sensitivities of one group or another, then important lessons of history go unheeded, resulting in repeated … Continue reading
The First Americans
According to a study conducted by sixty investigators in over 15 countries [1], touted as the most comprehensive survey of genetic diversity of Native Americans, most populations descend from one migration period (although two additional migration periods were also significant). … Continue reading
