EP. 127: Clash of the Titans

EP. 127: Clash of the Titans

Author: Ken Wise June 2, 2024 Duration: 29:37

The American Buffalo, or Bison, is an iconic image of America. At one point, millions of these huge animals roamed the continent. But settlement and commercial hunting rendered the bison all but extinct. Thanks to the forward thinking of a few cattlemen, the species was saved. But the early twentieth century was a sporting time, and certain questions needed answers. To a few folks from Texas, Mexico, and North Dakota, the burning question was which animal was tougher–a Mexican fighting bull or a buffalo? Well, now we know. Hear the story of an epic battle in this episode of Wise About Texas.


There’s a particular feeling you get standing on a wide stretch of prairie or walking through a quiet courthouse square that seems to hold a century of stories. Wise About Texas is about uncovering those stories, layer by layer, with the kind of depth and context that makes the past feel immediate. Hosted by Ken Wise, each episode goes beyond the well-trodden tales of the Alamo and cowboy legends to explore the people, places, and pivotal moments that truly shaped this unique state. You’ll hear about forgotten communities, surprising cultural intersections, and the everyday lives that built Texas from the ground up. This isn’t just a dry recitation of dates; it’s a thoughtful exploration that connects history to the landscape you can visit today. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a curious newcomer, or someone planning a trip with a desire to understand what you’re seeing, this podcast serves as an engaging guide. Tune in for narratives that are meticulously researched yet told with a conversational ease, making each chapter of Texas history accessible and genuinely compelling. The aim is to leave you not just better informed, but with a richer sense of the spirit and complexity that defines the Lone Star State.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 163

Wise About Texas
Podcast Episodes
EP. 144:  The Runaway Scrape with Dr. Stephen Hardin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:08
In 1836, the Texians faced a huge refugee crisis. Mexican general Santa Anna intended to wage a terror campaign against the civilian population as he had done in other Mexican states. In a panic, the citizens of Texas gr…
EP. 142: Letters from the Alamo (?) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:50
Most are familiar with William Barret Travis’ letters from the Alamo, espcially his February 24th letter promising “Victory or Death!” But could there hqave been others? Did the defenders write their families? Did those…
Ep. 142: A Disturbing Set of Events (Anahuac, 1832) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:29
In 1832, things in Texas were chaotic to say the least. There was conflict between centralists and federalists on two fronts. The Texas settlers wanted their freedoms and opposed the chaos that was the Mexican government…
Ep 141: Come and Take It! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:37
There is no more popular symbol of the Texas spirit and the Texas revolution than the famous “Come and Take It” flag. It’s reproduced on all sorts of merchandise and displayed prominently all over Texas. But was there re…
EP 140:  A DECADE of Texas history [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:25
Ten years ago this week, I launched Wise About Texas. I had no idea what it would become. In this episode, I recap a little about where the podcast has been and where it’s going. But most of all, THANK YOU to my wonderfu…
EP. 139:  An English Earl in Texas… [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:59
The 7th Earl of Aylesford was quite the character. His exploits in England were “of note.” In fact, they were of such note that he had to leave the country. So he (naturally) decided to become a ranchman in Big Spring in…
EP. 138: A Volcanic Trail Marker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:53
Northeastern New Mexico was a hotbed (pun intended) of volcanic activity. Over time, those volcanoes became extinct. But one still served a very important purpose for Texas trail drivers. Learn about a very interesting t…
EP. 137:  The First Chief Justice (sort of) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:19
The Republic of Texas Congress formed the first state Supreme Court in 1836. However, the Court really didn’t meet in any significant way until 1840 under the leadership of Chief Justice John Hemphill. Being Chief Justic…
EP. 135: Texans You Should Know– Lottie Deno [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:11
What’s an upper-crust lady from Kentucky society doing in one of the worst and most dangerous areas of Texas? Dealing cards, of course. Not only that, she was one of the most successful professional gamblers in the 19th…