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Why Great-Grandpa Went to Texas

Any discussion of what makes Texans Texans should include David Crockett.  Perishing at the Alamo just a few weeks after his arrival, this newcomer martyred himself for Texas independence.  However--loyalty and sacrifice aside--Crockett's actions upon leaving Tennessee already signaled his suitability for Texan-hood.  Having lost re-election for Congress, Crockett reportedly declared, "You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas."

Davy Crockett I don't mean to suggest that contentiousness is the defining Texan characteristic (some would argue), but the desire for re-invention probably is.  Many of Tweed Scott's interviews in Texas in Her Own Words note the allure of the second chance.  Mike Harris observes, "Even Davy Crockett was looking for a new start" (pg. 15).  Paul Andrew Hutton agrees that one of Texas' greatest charms is that "you have the possibility of becoming something new" (pg. 10).

Many of us claim Texas ancestors who required fresh starts--and right away, too--following illegal duels, horse-trading incidents with fatal outcomes, or other such events occurring in more settled areas of the nation.  These hurried transplants, along with others chasing adventure or prosperity, would likely have supported Vonceia Reece's judgment that "To be a native Texan means you are adaptable" (pg. 52).

In April, Round Rock Reads! will sponsor three events:  a film, a panel discussion/ice cream social, and a book discussion.  These features were chosen to portray the history of the Texan identity.  Come join us in an exploration of the past, the personalities of the Lone Star State, and a bit of modern controversy.  You'll see why the late Marge Mueller, mayor Luckenbach, reflected, "I agree that with opportunity comes the struggle.  This is Texas" (pg. 152).

 

Posted: Mar 20 2008, 05:18 PM by Linda Sappenfield | with 2 comment(s)
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Comments

Brooks Bennett said:

I claim an ancestor by the name of George Fisher.

You can read a little about him at:

en.wikipedia.org/.../George_Fisher_(settler)

There was a recent piece of historical fiction written based on his life called "The Immigrant. The Judge Fisher Story" ( http://www.judgefisher.com/ ).

I think the tag-line for the book captures the essence of what it is to be a Texan...

"...Hungarian by birth, Serbian by ancestry, American by conviction, Mexican by choice, and Texan by desire."

# March 25, 2008 9:07 AM

Tweed said:

I believe Mr Bennett is correct about the essence of Texas. It has always been a melting pot but that diversity has become one of it's inherent strengths. I'm sure that is one of the things we'll discuss when we get together at Barnes & Noble in La Frontera on April 24th at 7pm. I have some pretty firm ideas what Texas is all about.

 I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has either read or is reading Texas In Her Own Words as part of the Round Rock Reads program. I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of this little book. It has connected with people from all walks of life throughout Texas. I would also like to personally invite you to join us at the Barnes & Noble discussion in April. I'd love to hear your ideas. If you have any questions you'd like to ask or discuss, we can do it here. I want to thank Linda Sappenfield at the Round Rock Public Library for givng us this venue to connect and discuss the book or anything else about Texas you wish. So don't be shy. Dive in! One thing you'll find is that I am quite accessable. Let's talk.

# March 26, 2008 10:58 AM
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