Ep 141: Come and Take It!

Ep 141: Come and Take It!

Author: Ken Wise December 7, 2025 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 really such a flag at the Battle of Gonzales in 1835? I examine this question in this latest 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. 26: Texas Takes Flight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:15
The first man to fly a powered aircraft was a Texan named Jacob Brodbeck. History credits the Wright brothers but it’s time to correct the record! Learn about German immigration, a fascinating Texan, and the first airpla…
Ep 25:  The Texas Camel Corps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:55
One hump or two? Camels came to Texas in the 1850’s and the ships of the desert proved themselves great Texans! There might even be one or two still wandering around! Learn more about the great camel experiment in this e…
Ep. 24: The Great Storm of 1900 Part 2:  Resilience and Recovery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:35
When faced with the most destructive hurricane to date, the city of Galveston faced an unspeakable tragedy with extraordinary resilience. As the city struggled to recover, the citizens were already planning to rebuild. A…
BONUS EPISODE:  The Great Storm of 1900–A Night of Horror [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:17
On September 8, 1900 a monster hurricane slammed into Galveston Island, resulting in the largest natural disaster in American history. In this bonus episode, learn what it was like for the residents of the island as they…
Ep. 23: The Great Storm of 1900, Part 1:  A Storm Brewing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:33
The worst natural disaster in American history occurred on September 8, 1900 when a massive hurricane hit Galveston, Texas. At the time, Galveston was the largest city in Texas and one of the most prosperous in the count…
Ep. 21:  Texans You Should Know:  Temple Lea Houston [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:16
Meet Temple Lea Houston, youngest son of Texas hero Sam Houston and one of Texas’s first great trial lawyers. He was known for his quick mind, a silver tongue, fancy dress and a fast gun. All of those were helpful in the…
Ep. 20: Island Time:  San Jose, Mustang and Matagorda [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:24
In the middle of a hot Texas summer, let’s head for the beach! San Jose Island is bordered by Matagorda to the north and Mustang to the south. Texas barrier islands all have their unique stories and San Jose is no differ…
Ep. 19: Cowboy Christmas:  Rodeo in Texas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:01
Merry Christmas…that’s Cowboy Christmas of course. July 4 is called Cowboy Christmas because of all the great rodeos held around the 4th of July holiday. In this episode we take a look at the history of rodeo going all t…
Ep. 18: Texas Towns: Texana [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:31
In the first of a new series on Texas Towns we take a look at the town of Texana, once a booming Texas port city, now claimed by the water she once commanded. The monument in the Brackenridge family cemetery Augustus All…