April 6, 2018 (Friday)
“Remember the Alamo!” – April 6, 1836
March and April 1836 were significant months in the history of Texas, which changed at that time from being a part of Mexico to becoming a new country all its own. Long before this part of the world became “Texas,” however, many tribes of native Americans lived here.
Almost everyone who lives on or near the Texas coast has heard of the Karankawas, who were fishermen. They lived in the area between Galveston and Corpus Christi. The Coahuiltecans lived in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and generally stayed to themselves. The Lipans were a group of Apaches who were well-known to the early Texas settlers. They fought the newcomers, but sometimes joined them in fighting other Indians, some of whom were Apaches. The Commanches were feared and fought by the pioneers. The Tonkawas lived in Central Texas and were hunters like the Commanches. Other tribes migrated to Texas during the early 1800’s.
The word, “Texas,” probably came from an Indian expression, “Tejas,” 
which may have meant, “friend,” or “hello, friend.” The state motto is “Friendship,” apparently derived from these definitions. Incidentally the state motto is NOT, “Don’t mess with Texas,” apparently derived from words used by an obscure tribe (as they say in the cyber world, LOL).
The first “Texans” had to fight for their survival. What is now Texas was a part of Mexico. Sometimes the Mexican soldiers fought the Indians alongside the newcomers, but at other times, their orders changed and suddenly the soldiers who had been allies became enemies. Finally, in 1836, everything changed. Against all odds, the “Texians” won a revolutionary war against Mexico. The main events transpired during the months of March and April. Texas became a nation all its own, until annexed by the United States in 1845. It seceded in 1861, and joined the Confederacy.
This blog is not a history of the state. It’s just a little sketch. Texas has much more history. After all, they don’t say, “Six Flags Over Texas” for nothing.
I learned to sing the state song, “Texas Our Texas” as a young schoolboy. First verse and chorus go like this:
“Texas, Our Texas! all hail the mighty State!
Texas, Our Texas! so wonderful so great!
Boldest and grandest, withstanding ev’ry test
O Empire wide and glorious, you stand supremely blest.
(Chorus:)
“God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.”
When I learned it, I learned “largest” instead of “boldest.” I guess Alaska had something to do with the change. Whatever the description, it’s still “HOME.”
BLOG ORIGINALLY POSTED 4-6-10