Texas History for Kids

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. Today, we're exploring the fascinating and ambitious life of Frenchman Rene-Robert Caelier, Sieur de La Salle who is considered one of the first explorers to Texas. From the vast wilderness of the so-called “New France” to the mighty Mississippi River and into Texas, La Salle's journeys were filled with daring and discovery. So,...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. Did you know that Texas ranks number 43 in the most polluted states in the US, with number 1 being the most polluted and 50 because the least? References: Stevie Ray Vaughan Don’t Mess with Texas Commericial Jack Ingram’s Don’t Mess with Texas Commercial  Joe Jonas, Don’t Mess with Texas Commercial Willie Neslson, Don’t Mess with Texas Com...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. From "It's raining cats and dogs" to "chew the fat," idioms are more than just words - they're windows into the history, culture, and even humor of language. So, whether you know all about idioms or are just curious about the origins of your favorite sayings, you're in the right place. Get ready to explor...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text.  It's May 5th, 1862, and the Mexican city of Puebla becomes the stage for a clash of titans. Fighting between France and Mexico has been raging in this small town. This battle is known as the Battle of Puebla and many Mexicans celebrate the history of it on Cinco De Mayo!                                                                ...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. If you visit different parts of Texas you'll find trees that have been standing tall for over 200 years! In today’s podcast I’ll reveal five interesting trees in Texas history that hold the most significant past including a tree that witnessed the abolishment of slavery, the tree tombstone of a once known robber, one that was involved...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. Everything is bigger in Texas and our parties are no different. Fiesta San Antonio lasts a whopping 10 days! Where else in the country would you find a party that lasts two weeks?! During today's episode I will explore the history that started it all, from the Battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto to amazing floats parading through tow...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. I’ve discovered  the secrets that are hidden in the Big Bend region, where legends and folklore surround the lost gold mines of this remote land. From daring outlaws and brave pioneers to vanished miners and cursed expeditions, this podcast episode explores the intriguing quest to uncover one of the most elusive gold mines in Texas history...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. During WWII, men were sent off to fight. Those who were pilots, were sent to combat missions. Women were now able to step into pilot roles now, than ever before. It wasn't easy or pretty, but they did it. Listen as Michelle talks about the amazing strives the Women's Airforce Service Pilots made during the war efforts.  Support t...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. Discover the story behind the annual tradition of Fredericksburg's Easter fires that occurs on the Saturday before Easter. From Comanche fights to German settlers, the history might surprise you!                                                                                       References Terry G. Jordan, “Easter Fires,” Handbook o...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text.  The small town of Marfa, Texas holds a mystery that has baffled locals and visitors for generations—the unexplained Marfa Lights.                                                                                         References Visit Marfa. Retrieved March 22, 2024 from,  https://visitmarfa.com/visit/page/marfa-lights Wikipedia contribut...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. Have you ever driven by an abandoned mansion or ranch house and wondered how such a beautiful piece of real estate could be left neglected? If only the walls could talk. What would they say? What stories would they tell? Today we will dig into 3 old houses in Texas including: Trueheart Ranch, Varner-Hogg Plantation and Bishop's Palace...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. From a devastating potato disease to shamrocks and leprechauns,  St. Patrick's Day in Texas is not only a celebration of Irish heritage but also a testament to the diverse culture and the contributions of its immigrant communities to its rich cultural landscape of Texas. Leave a review of the show on Spotify. From the app just click o...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. The 1938 pecan shellers strike in San Antonio, Texas, was a significant event in labor history, particularly for the Mexican American community. The strike began in January 1938 and lasted for several months, primarily involving Mexican American women who worked in the pecan-shelling industry. The pecan shellers, who were predominantly wom...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. Elizabeth Ellen Johnson or Lizzie was born in 1840, a time when women’s rights were still not fully accepted. She became a pioneer in women’s history, pushing the limits, challenging the norms of society and proving that women can be as tough as leather. She was smart. She was fierce. She was the Cattle Queen of Texas on the Chisholm Trail...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text.  Many early conquistadors thought Texas land was going to be useless. Then came the 1800s.  A man named Pattillo Higgins had big dreams of something deep inside the earth that he was sure would make him rich. Listen as I discuss the history of oil and the men who found it in Texas.  Visit https://www.michellegauthor.com/podcast-texas-histo...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. This podcast not only celebrates Bessie Coleman's historic accomplishments but also highlights the importance of believing in oneself and breaking down barriers. It's a great informative story to listen to during Black History Month! Send me an email michellegallegos.author@gmail.com                                              ...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. Our nation has dedicated all of February to celebrate the contributions of black Americans? Did you know that  Texas has some of the most famous African American historical figures in the advancement of our state. Today,  we will talk about the most prominent black Americans in Texas including Estevan, Hendrick Arnold, Celeste Bedford Walk...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. More than 8,500 years ago, a group of indigenous people survived the Ice Age, and today they are known as Archaic Indians. The native Americans of Texas are among the oldest cultures in North America, and in this episode, we will take a closer look at caves found in the western region of Texas, which boasts fascinating cave art and relics...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. The the bloodiest battle ever fought on Texas soil took place the small community of present-day Losoya, Texas, a small region just south of San Antonio, known as the Battle of Medina. Although, it is not a well known battle because it happened during a very war ravaged time in world history.                                                ...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. Today's episode takes us to the year 1976— almost 47 years ago! There are several stories from the nineteen seventies that all tell of the same thing: A giant bird almost the size of a car had flown across the sky. For the most part, the stories are similar. The size of the bird seemed to be the same. However, the face and bird’s body...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. There was a time in Texas history that brought lots of explorers who wanted to know more about Texas land. Today I'll talk about Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda, Cabeza de Vaca and Francisco Vazquez de Coronado.                                                                                         References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. Surely you’ve heard of a Texas Cattle drive, but have you heard of the turkey trot?   Since the early 1900s, Cuero has been a small town with  roots rich in agricultural history. Cuero was famous for its turkeys and deemed themselves "Turkey Capital of the World". That is until another town had already claimed it. A turkey duel e...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. How many flags do you think Texas has had? One, two, three. Wrong! The answer is 6. Incredibly, Texas has been under the rule of 6 different countries. The Texas flag has been through many changes over the years. Listen for some interesting historical facts.                                                       Be sure to visit my website...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. What do Polar Express, train robbers and the Texas State Railroad have in common? Be sure to visit my website for resources! https://www.michellegauthor.com/podcast-texas-history-for-kids                                                                   References  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_State_Railroad https://texasstaterailro...

Let me know what you thought of this podcast! Send a text. Have you been to a rodeo lately? Do you know what a rodeo is? Well, in Texas we have rodeos year long. Some are big and some are small.  American-style professional rodeos include: Calf roping , s teer roping , bareback riding , bull riding , barrel racing and steer wrestling . Today’s history lesson is about one of the first steer wrestle...