EP. 51:  The Schooner Flash, a Revolutionary Ship.

EP. 51: The Schooner Flash, a Revolutionary Ship.

Author: Ken Wise April 2, 2018 Duration: 30:56

The Flash was a schooner built in Connecticut for a new enterprise in Texas.  She came to Texas in possession of James Morgan to support his new endeavor, a town and community called New Washington.  But as war clouds gathered, Morgan mounted an 18 pounder on her foredeck and commissioned her Captain into the Texas Navy.  From commerce to combat, rescuing refugees to carrying cannon, the Flash did it all during the Texas revolution.  Her noble service ended quickly after her Captain was replaced with someone who apparently couldn’t find the largest harbor in Texas.  The Flash carried some of the most important cargo in Texas history, presidents, cannon, even important groceries.  Hear the story of the schooner Flash 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. 91:  The Secret Court of the Republic of Texas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:46
In April, 1836, Texas went to war with the United States by capturing an American ship in the service of Mexico. After the battle of San Jacinto, an international relations nightmare loomed. President David Burnet had to…
EP. 90:  Cozumel, Texas? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:56
During 1837, the Mexican government was still reeling from the successful Texas revolution. Bent on reconquering Texas, an army massed at Matamoros. The Secretary of the Texas Navy knew that Texas could keep Mexico at ba…
Ep. 89:  Texas Attacks Oklahoma! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:42
During World War II, Texas played an important role in training pilots and bomber crews. The city of Dalhart contributed to the war effort by building an airfield. Practice bombing missions took place over the panhandle…
EP. 88:  Texas Pandemics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:12
The 2020 coronavirus pandemic has been a trying time for Texans. But we’ve been through much worse. The harsh climate, tropical ports, lack of medicine, etc. has resulted in Texans enduring several pandemics and epidemic…
Ep. 87- Texans You Should Know:  Kenneth Threadgill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:41
Austin is famous for its music scene. Willie, Waylon, Jerry Jeff and so many others helped Austin become weird. But before any of them there was Kenneth Threadgill. A preacher’s son, Threadgill loved music. He especially…
Ep. 86: Exploring the Texas Revolution- The San Jacinto Battleground [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:08
In April, 1836, two armies converged at Peggy McCormick’s ranch on the banks of the San Jacinto River. In just 18 minutes, the Texian Army routed Santa Anna and the portion of the Mexican Army he commanded. Texas was fre…
EP. 85: Exploring the Texas Revolution–Presidio La Bahia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:14
Originally established in 1721 along the banks of the Guadalupe river, Presidio La Bahia was moved to its present location along the banks of the San Antonio river in 1749. Since then it has been a critical location for…
Ep. 84:  Exploring the Texas Revolution–The Fannin Battleground [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:13
James Fannin fancied himself an accomplished military commander. But in March of 1836 he had trouble deciding where and when to move. He finally headed for Victoria but decided to stop and feed his animals. Fannin didn’t…
EP. 83:  The Twin Sisters, Part 2–The Mystery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:45
The twin sisters were two cannons graciously manufactured and donated to the cause of Texas liberty from the people of Cincinnati. They served Texas well at the Battle of San Jacinto and played a key role in Texas indepe…
EP. 82:  Exploring the Texas Revolution:  Old Washington [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:10
Old Washington, better known as Washington on the Brazos, began with a ferry crossing on the Brazos River along the La Bahia road. The convention of 1836 would cement Washington’s place in Texas history. In an unfinished…