Wise About Texas Ken Wise

2023 marks the 200th anniversary of one of the most famous law enforcement organizations in the world--The Texas Rangers. In this bonus episode, I talk with Russell Molina and Lacy Finley about all the celebrations scheduled for the Texas Ranger bicentennial. You can find a list of the events at TexasRanger2023.org.

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.

Texas Ranger.  Two words that strike fear in the heart of the lawbreaker and hope in the heart of the law abiding. Since before there was a Texas, there were Rangers.  How this elite force officially began is the subject of some controversy.  But 2023 marks the official bicentennial of this unique and important organization. There is no doubt that Stephen F. Austin realized the need to take the fight to the hostile Indians he encountered in his new colony.  In this episode, you hear Austin’s own words describe his ideas to defend his new colony and his personal funding of a group of rangers.  I also discuss the various ways the term "Ranger" was used in early Texas. Hear about the origins of the most famous law enforcement organization in history–the legendary Texas Rangers.

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.

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.