Texas Tales

Barbed Wire Battles: Texas' Fence-Cutting War

We love hearing from our fans!Texas was built on open ranges and wide horizons—until barbed wire started carving up the frontier. In this episode, we dive into the wild and chaotic Fence-Cutting War of the 1880s, when furious cowboys and landowners clashed over who controlled the land. Armed with wire cutters and a deep sense of frontier justice, Texas ranchers waged a battle that turned neighbor against neighbor and led to gunfights, political showdowns, and some downright bizarre tactics.Join us as we unravel the story of how a simple strand of wire changed the Lone Star State forever—and how some Texans refused to let the fences win. It’s a tale of cattle, conflict, and cowboy rebellion that you won’t want to miss! Support the show

Moonshine and Mayhem: The Untold Story of Texas During Prohibition

We love hearing from our fans!Texas never did take kindly to being told what it can’t do—so when Prohibition outlawed alcohol in 1920, Texans found their own way to keep the good times rolling. Deep in the piney woods of East Texas, moonshiners built hidden stills, bootleggers outran the law, and speakeasies flourished under the cover of night. Meanwhile, a flour salesman named W. Lee "Pappy" O’Daniel used radio waves, Western swing music, and a whole lot of biscuits to become a household name—and, eventually, the governor of Texas.In this episode, we uncover the wild and untold stories of Prohibition in Texas, from high-speed bootlegging chases to lawmen on the take and moonshine kingpins who became folk legends. We’ll also dive into how Pappy O’Daniel’s flour empire turned him into one of the most unlikely political figures in history—riding a wave of music, marketing genius, and populist charm all the way to the U.S. Senate.Join us as we explore the whiskey-fueled rebellion, corruption, and country music that defined Prohibition-era Texas. It’s a tale of moonshine, music, and mayhem—and you won’t want to miss it! Support the show

Redbacks and Recklessness: The Money Mess That Sank Texas

We love hearing from our fans!What happens when a country prints its own money with no real plan to back it up? Welcome to the wild financial experiment of the Republic of Texas! In this episode, we dive into the history of the Redback, the infamous Texas currency introduced by President Mirabeau Lamar. Lamar had big dreams—expanding Texas, driving out Native Americans, and keeping the Republic independent from the United States. But his economic policies? Well… let’s just say they were a disaster.With reckless spending, a shrinking economy, and a currency that rapidly became worth less than the paper it was printed on, Texas found itself drowning in debt. By the time Sam Houston returned to office, Texas was broke, the Redback was worthless, and annexation into the U.S. was looking less like an option and more like a lifeline.Join us as we unravel this chaotic chapter of Texas history with fascinating stories, colorful characters, and a few good laughs. How did the Redback become a financial punchline? What were Lamar’s biggest mistakes? And did Texas really have a currency that was worth more as wallpaper than money? Tune in to find out! Support the show

Cypress Shadows: Outlaws, Tragedies, and the Magic of Caddo Lake

We love hearing from our fans!Journey with us into the hauntingly beautiful world of Caddo Lake in this episode of Texas Tales. As Texas’s only natural lake, Caddo is a mesmerizing labyrinth of bayous, cypress trees, and Spanish moss—but beneath its serene surface lies a wealth of history, mystery, and lore.We’ll explore its legendary creation during the New Madrid earthquakes and the scientific tale of the Great Raft that shaped its formation. Discover the sacred connection the Caddo Nation had to this land, the bustling steamboat era that turned Jefferson, Texas, into a booming trade hub, and the tragic sinking of the Mittie Stephens, one of Texas’s deadliest maritime disasters.Dive deeper into the secrets of the lake as we uncover the stories of smugglers, outlaws, and buried treasure hidden in the dense swamps. Visit the quirky town of Uncertain, Texas, with its puzzling name and colorful history, and hear about Hollywood’s fascination with Caddo Lake, including its role in the new horror movie Caddo Lake (2023).Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply a fan of Texas lore, this episode is packed with captivating tales and unforgettable stories. Subscribe to Texas Tales and join us for this deep dive into the mysteries and legends of Caddo Lake! Support the show

**REMASTERED** A Miracle in Texas - The Blue Nun, the Jumano and Blue Bonnets

We love hearing from our fans!We have come a long way in our production quality since we started. We did our best to REMASTER some “oldies but goodies” and ensure the production offers a better listening experience. Not perfect, but much better. Hope you enjoy!In this captivating episode of Texas Tales, we unravel the mysterious story of the Lady in Blue, a Spanish nun who miraculously appeared to the Jumano Indians in Texas during the 17th century. Through her remarkable spiritual encounters, she introduced Christianity to the tribe without ever setting foot in the Americas. Who was this enigmatic figure, and how did her visions shape the history of early Texas? Join us as we explore the life of Sister María de Ágreda, the cultural impact of her mystical journeys, and the enduring legacy of this extraordinary tale.  Support the show