Ep. 55:  A Surly Bartender

Ep. 55: A Surly Bartender

Author: Ken Wise July 9, 2018 Duration: 21:31

Fredericksburg Texas has a very interesting history.  Created during the massive German immigration to Texas in the middle 1800’s, Fredericksburg was not intended to be the city it soon became.  A treaty with the Comanche Indians and the California gold rush made Fredericksburg a prosperous place to set up a store.  John Hunter did just that.  Hunter supplied his patrons with everything they need, including whiskey.  He was also the county clerk.  But Hunter’s temper got the better of him, his store, and the entire early history of Fredericksburg.  Learn more in the 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. 63: Santa Claus is Coming to Town…and Robbing the Bank! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:23
December 23, 1927 was a typical day in Cisco, Texas. People going about their Christmas shopping, ready for holiday time with family and friends. The kids even saw Santa Claus walking down Main Street! He engaged with th…
Ep. 62: Texas and the Great War, Part 2–Training Our Finest [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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EP. 61:  Texas and the Great War, Part 1-Unrest on the Border [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:52
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Duration: 14:59
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Duration: 23:07
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Duration: 30:38
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Ep. 57:  A BAT-ty idea to win WWII [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:02
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Ep 56:  Texans You Should Know:  Pamelia Mann [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:33
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Ep. 54:  They’re Robbing the Treasury! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:07
In June of 1865, Texas was in chaos. Robert E. Lee had just surrendered the Army of Northern of Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War. But without a government or functioning economy, it was every man for himself. M…