DOCSLIB.ORG

Frontier Texas

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Frontier Texas 18 FRONTIER TEXAS YEAR at CONTENTSa glance 3 introductions 4 Letters from the President and Executive Director 6 Year-at-a-Glance n Attendance stats n Social Media stats n School tour stats n Membership stats THE MISSION FeatureS 8 Ranald S. Mackenzie of Frontier Texas is to present a 15 The Social Museum n Belt Sander Fundraiser historical experience that attracts, n Tribute Film Festival entertains and educates guests with 19 The Value of History: 7 Ways History is Essential the rich social and cultural heritage 21 Educational Programs of Central West Texas, and further n Frontier Summer Camps n L.I.W. 150th Event stimulates them to visit other local n Celebrate Texas! n Home School Days and regional attractions and venues. n Teacher Training n School Tours FINANCIAL & STRATEGY 25 Venue Tax History and Purpose 28 Maintenance 29 Financials 30 The 2016-2024 Strategic Plan 32 Volunteers, Board & Staff “Francisco Coronado on 1540 Expedition From Mexico Through American Southwest” 1905 Lithograph of Painting by Frederic Remington 4 INTRODUCTION FROM THE PRESIDENT When one gets involved with a At the end of 2016, the Frontier Texas nonprofit organization it’s typically Board of Directors adopted a new stra- because you already like what you see tegic plan covering 2016-2024. During the organization doing for your commu- the process of evaluating the museum’s nity. In 2012, when I joined the Board operations, the board saw that the exist- of Frontier Texas, it was evident to me ing business plan was working well. Rev- that the community appreciated having enues have remained steady, attendance a world-class museum and visitor center is steady, and the quality of the programs Randy Burchell to serve a key role in education and eco- remains high. The biggest issue needing Board of Directors President nomic development for the region. The to be addressed in this strategic plan was Frontier Texas museum was about to complete a $2 mil- how the museum would respond to the lion fundraising campaign to redevelop sunset of the Abilene-Taylor County and expand the museum’s exhibits. The Venue Tax in 2024. That hotel tax was beautiful new exhibits opened on time, initiated by Mayor Grady Barr and the on budget, and without any debt, which team developing Frontier Texas in 2004 is what an accountant like me wants to to serve as the primary source of operat- see from a business. This was possible ing funds for the museum (see full story because of a diverse group of generous on page 25). The new strategic plan out- people that invest in our community and lines our intentions to lead in initiating a our future. Six years later, that invest- new venue district tax in 2024, but also ment continues to pay dividends back to to have Frontier Texas rely less on those the community. funds by raising funds for an operating The museum continues to do a great endowment. job of serving students and teachers, We hope you will enjoy reading guiding over 4,300 students through the through this publication to discover museum in the last school year. Those things you might not have known about educational tours came from over 40 dif- this organization and join with us in cel- ferent school districts in Texas. Frontier ebrating the museum’s accomplishments Texas also continues to draw tourists that benefit our entire community. into Abilene to spend money and boost our economy. LL of FAM In the past 12 months (April HA E • • 2 5 0 1 1 2017-March 2018), Frontier Texas served 0 6 2 CERTIFICATE of • • 2 4 EXCELLENCE 0 a total of 34,417 people, with 23,242 of 1 1 0 7 those from out-of-town. Visitors have 2 given the museum 299 five-star ratings on TripAdvisor.com, more than any other attraction in our region, and has awarded Frontier Texas the TripAdvisor “Certificate of Excellence” for the past 299 7 consecutive years, recognizing the top attractions around the world as rated on HHHHH the travel website. RATINGS INTRODUCTION 5 executive director In early days of 1881 the Texas & trains. In the earliest years the location Pacific Railway announced a town lot had a single loading platform, soon after sale for March 15th in “The FUTURE livestock pens were added. Farmers and GREAT city of West Texas, ABILENE.” ranchers from around the region, clearing It was a promotional message to entice fields, started bringing buffalo bone to families and business investors to be a sell to markets in the east and the loca- part of creating something new, with tion became one of many buffalo bone the hope that it would grow and that yards on the North American plains. Jeff Salmon it would become something great. The April 2, 2018 marked the completion Executive Director railroad needed a town to provide water of the museum’s 14th year in operation. Frontier Texas and support for their new rail line across The reports included in this publication Texas. The people who would heed the should make it clear that our organiza- call came to fulfill their dreams and live tion is doing well, thanks to generous do- their lives in a new place full of opportu- nors and volunteers, hard-working staff nity. It must have been obvious to them members, a solid business model and that it would take a great amount of hard a wonderful facility. Although we are a work and cooperation to build a great history organization, relating the past to community up from the dust. the present, we are always looking to our 122 years later Frontier Texas was built future. In the coming months and years on land that the railroad had selected for we look forward to working with you one of the first track spurs for Abilene, a to build a brighter future that is solidly location for the loading and unloading of grounded in our amazing past. 6 YEAR at a glance YEAR AT A GLANCE ANNUAL ATTENDANCE 34,417 23,242 APRIL 2017 — MARCH 2018 OF THOSE FROM OUT-OF-TOWN APRIL 2017-MARCH 2018 POINT OF VISITOR ORIGIN VISITORS FOREIGN FROM ABILENE COUNTRIES 3.45% 32.48% OTHER FROM TEXAS STATES EXCLUDES % ABILENE 21.11 42.97% FRONTIER TEXAS HAD STATES VISITORS FROM 50 US PROVINCES 60 COUNTRIES YEAR at a glance 7 ADMISSIONS REVENUE (FISCAL YEAR 2016-17) 142,333.52 GIFT SHOP MEMBERSHIP SCHOOL REVENUE REVENUE TOURS COMING FROM SCHOOL $50,445.58 $13,670.00 4,326 DISTRICTS (FISCAL YEAR 2016-17) (FISCAL YEAR 2016-17) SERVED ON TOURS VOLUNTEERS SOCIAL MEDIA STATS 26 FACEBOOK 25,307FOLLOWERS VOLUNTEERS 5.3 MILLION VIDEO VIEWS 24 INSTAGRAM BOARD MEMBERS 975 FOLLOWERS 1,665 TRIPADVISOR EXCELLENT (5-STAR) REVIEWS TOTAL HOURS SERVED IN 2017 299 8 feature Brigadier GENERAL THE MAKING OF RANALD SLIDELL MACKENZIE The Victor of the Red River War 10 feature s the exhibits at Frontier Texas were being developed in 2002-2003 a discus- sion came up among HC Zachry and the team of historians about which histori- cal characters would be prominently featured. The histori- ans were well-versed in the concept of “historical significance” and presented the stories of key people that are generally seen as essential to telling the story of the Texas frontier period of the 1780s-1880s. But HC had a slightly different idea in mind, he wanted to focus on the “most interesting stories” and, when possible, how the differing lives were intercon- nected. As the curating team brought together the stories they decided to stack the folders into similar groupings to help compare and contrast the stories repre- sented by each person. Then they started a process to rank them to see who would rise to the top of each stack. At some point in that process the group decided they were looking for the person who best represented the “spirit” of the rest of that stack. As each of those key historic characters was selected the group started referring to them as the “spirit guides.” The museum opened in April, 2004 with seven spirit guides featured as holograms and one, Pedro Vial, featured in “The Big Picture” theater. In 2012 the team, again led by Zachry, chose to add two new hologram characters and select- ed Kiowa Chief Satanta and Sheriff Pat Garrett. In 2016 the Frontier Texas board of directors created a new 2016-2024 strategic plan for the museum. The plan identified that new exhibit content should be added at least every two years and adding a new spirit guide was the Actor Travis Eason as (hologram) first goal. The choice was easy for two Ranald Mackenzie reasons. The first was the location of feature 11 the existing characters. The exhibit set visitors first encounter has Satanta and Esihabitu. The second set has Cynthia “I REGARDED MACKENZIE Ann Parker and J. Wright Mooar. The third set only had Captain R.B. Marcy AS THE MOST PROMISING and needed another military character. In each of the sets with two characters YOUNG OFFICER IN the perspectives of each was somewhat of a contrast to the other. Captain Marcy THE ARMY.” — ULYSSES S. GRANT mostly tells of trying to work with the Indians in diplomatic terms and shows a level of compassion for their hard- ships and those of his troops. To show a contrasting military perspective it was a clear choice to select Colonel Ranald Slidell Mackenzie, the victor of the Red River War. One goal in bringing Mackenzie to life as a hologram was to do the writing and video production in-house by the muse- um staff.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Texas Forts Trail Region
    CatchCatch thethe PioPionneereer SpiritSpirit estern military posts composed of wood and While millions of buffalo still roamed the Great stone structures were grouped around an Plains in the 1870s, underpinning the Plains Indian open parade ground. Buildings typically way of life, the systematic slaughter of the animals had included separate officer and enlisted troop decimated the vast southern herd in Texas by the time housing, a hospital and morgue, a bakery and the first railroads arrived in the 1880s. Buffalo bones sutler’s store (provisions), horse stables and still littered the area and railroads proved a boon to storehouses. Troops used these remote outposts to the bone trade with eastern markets for use in the launch, and recuperate from, periodic patrols across production of buttons, meal and calcium phosphate. the immense Southern Plains. The Army had other motivations. It encouraged Settlements often sprang up near forts for safety the kill-off as a way to drive Plains Indians onto and Army contract work. Many were dangerous places reservations. Comanches, Kiowas and Kiowa Apaches with desperate characters. responded with raids on settlements, wagon trains and troop movements, sometimes kidnapping individuals and stealing horses and supplies. Soldiers stationed at frontier forts launched a relentless military campaign, the Red River War of 1874–75, which eventually forced Experience the region’s dramatic the state’s last free Native Americans onto reservations in present-day Oklahoma. past through historic sites, museums and courthouses — as well as historic downtowns offering unique shopping, dining and entertainment. ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ 2 The westward push of settlements also relocated During World War II, the vast land proved perfect cattle drives bound for railheads in Kansas and beyond.
    [Show full text]
  • 2014 Winter the Medallion
    WINTER 2014 Scouting the Forts Trail Frontier Outposts Near Abilene Tell Real Stories of Texas’ Past CONTENTS PRESERvatiON NEwS THC Commissioner Emeritus T.R. Fehrenbach Dies WINTER 2014 Legendary Texas Historian, Writer Was ‘Recognized the World Over’ TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION FEATURES Matthew F. Kreisle, III, Chairman By Andy Rhodes Thomas E. Alexander, Vice Chair Robert K. Shepard, Secretary 4 On the Road Managing Editor, The Medallion to Progress Former Texas Historical Commission Fehrenbach authored Earl Broussard Jr. Bankhead Highway John W. Crain Team Embarks on (THC) Chairman T.R. Fehrenbach, an several significant Michael D. Donegan Resource Development. iconic Texas historian, author, and books, some of which August W. Harris, III columnist, died on December 1, 2013 are required reading for Steven L. Highlander Tom Perini of congestive heart failure. He was 88 students of Texas and Gilbert E. Peterson years old. Korean War history. He Judy C. Richardson Nancy M. Steves THC OUTREACH Theodore Reed Fehrenbach served published 18 nonfiction Daisy Sloan White on the commission for three terms books, including the 6 Frontier Texas from 1983–2001, and was chairman 792-page Lone Star: Texas Forts Trail Region from 1987–1991. Gov. Rick Perry A History of Texas Executive Director: Mark Wolfe ‘Is the Real Texas People appointed him commissioner emeritus and the Texans (1968, Expect to Experience.’ in 2001. 1999), the most widely Medallion Staff: “T.R. Fehrenbach was the read history of Texas. Heather McBride embodiment of the Texas Historical His book This Kind Department Head Andy Rhodes 10 Grass-Roots Commission’s mission to preserve of War (1963, 1995) Managing Editor Preservation Texas history and to tell the real stories is considered the Barbara Putrino of the real places of the Lone Star classic military history Senior Projects Coordinator Researchers Unearth Judy Jensen Cultural Heritage Clues at State,” said THC Executive Director of the Korean War.
    [Show full text]
  • Heritage Tourism Guidebook
    TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION HERITAGE TOURISM G ook uideb Tbl f n INTRODUCTIONa e o ...................................................................................................................Co tents ..........................1 WHAT IS TOURISM?........................................................................................................................................2 WHAT IS HERITAGE TOURISM?...................................................................................................................3 GROWTH OF THE HERITAGE TOURISM INDUSTRY .............................................................................6 THE HERITAGE TOURISM TRAVELER........................................................................................................7 HERITAGE TOURISM PLANNING ................................................................................................................8 STEP ONE: ASSESS THE POTENTIAL ..................................................................................................9 STEP TWO: PLAN AND ORGANIZE...................................................................................................14 STEP THREE: PREPARE, PROTECT AND MANAGE........................................................................28 STEP FOUR: MARKET FOR SUCCESS................................................................................................36 CONCLUSION.................................................................................................................................................43
    [Show full text]
  • Notes and Documents the Texas Frontier in 1850: Dr. Ebenezer Swift
    Notes and Documents The Texas Frontier in 1850: Dr. Ebenezer Swift and the View From Fort Martin Scott by: CALEB COKER AND JANET G. HUMPHREY The Texas Frontier in 1850 was guarded by a line of army forts ranging from Fort Worth to Fort Duncan near Eagle Pass. With the end of the Mexican War, settlers had begun pushing toward the Texas interior, and troops became available to furnish new towns some measure of protection from raiding bands of Indians. 1 Fort Martin bScott, established between the towns of Fredericksburg and Zodiac in December 1848, was one such military post. The letter reproduced here, from the fort's physician, provides a marvelous glimpse of frontier Texas in 1850. It includes candid descriptions of a farm in Austin, life at the fort, and relationships with the local Indians. Native Americans living in the vicinity of Fort Martin Scott belonged to a number of tribes. The least predictable and most feared, however, were the Comanches. White settlements disrupted their wide-ranging lifestyle and threatened the abundant supply of game. In the mid-1840s their primary tactic was to attack settlers in small raiding parties and then vanish, often taking with them horses and other livestock. These hit-and-run assaults terrorized those on the frontier for decades.2 The Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas had purchased 10,000 acres of forested land just north of the Pedernales River on Barron's Creek in December 1845. By the following May, settlers began arriving from New Braunfels at the town site named Fredericksburg.
    [Show full text]
  • Heritage Corridors: Pathways to History
    f.o. r. .u. .m . .j. o. .u. r. .nn. .a. .l . The Journal of the National Trust for Historic Preservation • Fall 2007 • Volume 22 • No. 1 Heritage Corridors: Pathways to History . Periodicals Postage Paid Washington, D.C. 1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20036 Return Postage Guaranteed Address Correction Requested Published by National Trust Forum, a program of the National Trust’s Center for Preservation Leadership ...............................................................................................................foru m journal National Trust Forum Peter H. Brink Senior Vice President, Programs Katherine Adams Director, Center for Preservation Leadership Elizabeth Byrd Wood Editor Kerri Rubman Assistant Editor Brenda Barrett Guest Editor Steve Elkinton Guest Editor Ron Woods Business Manager National Trust for Historic Preservation Richard Moe President David J. Brown Executive Vice President Peter H. Brink Senior Vice President, Programs Gregory A. Coble Vice President, Business and Finance David Cooper Vice President, Development Paul Edmondson Vice President and General Counsel Stanley A. Lowe Vice President for Community Revitalization Dolores McDonagh Vice President, Membership Jan Rothschild Vice President for Communications and Marketing James Vaughan Vice President, Stewardship of Historic Properties Emily Wadhams Vice President, Public Policy National Trust Forum Advisory Board Paul Bruhn Preservation Trust of Vermont Pratt W. Cassity University of Georgia Alan Downer National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers E. Renee Ingram African American Heritage Preservation Foundation, Inc. Bruce D. Judd, FAIA Architectural Resources Group Heather MacIntosh Preservation Action Ann McGlone National Alliance of Preservation Commissions David Mertz National Council for Preservation Education David Morgan Former Kentucky State Historic Preservation Officer Marcel Quimby National Trust Board of Advisors Nancy Miller Schamu National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers Donna J.
    [Show full text]
  • Camp Elizabeth, Sterling County, Texas
    Camp Elizabeth, Sterling County, Texas: . An Archaeological and Archival Investigation of a u.s. Army Subpost, and Evidence Supporting Its Use by the Military and "Buffalo Soldiers 11 Maureen Brown, Jose E. Zapata, and Bruce K. Moses with contributions by Anne A. Fox, C. Britt Bousman, I. Waymle Cox, and Cynthia L. Tennis Sponsored by: San Angelo District Texas Department of Transportation Archaeological Survey Report, No. 267 Center for Archaeological Research The University of Texas at San Antonio 1998 Camp Elizabeth, Sterling County, Texas: An Archaeological and Archival Investigation of a U.S. Army Subpost, and Evidence Supporting Its Use by the Military and "Buffalo Soldiers" Maureen Brown, Jose E. Zapata, and Bruce K. Moses with contributions by Anne A. Fox, C. Britt Bousman, L Waynne Cox, and Cynthia L. Tennis Robert J. Hard and C. Britt Bousman Principal Investigators Texas Antiquities Permit No. 1866 Archaeological Survey Report, No. 267 Center for Archaeological Research The University of Texas at San Antonio ©copyright 1998 The following information is provided in accordance with the General Rules of Practice and Procedure, Chapter 41.11 (Investigative Reports), Texas Antiquities Committee: 1. Type of investigation: Archaeological and archival mitigation 2. Project name: Camp Elizabeth 3. County: Sterling 4. Principal investigator: Robert J. Hard and C. Britt Bousman 5. Name and location of sponsoring agency: Texas Department of Transportation, Austin, Texas 78701 6. Texas Antiquities Permit No.: 1866 7. Published by the Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio, 6900 N. Loop 1604 W., San Antonio, Texas 78249-0658, 1998 A list of publications offered by the Center for Archaeological Research is available.
    [Show full text]
  • United States Geological Survey
    DEFARTM KUT OF THE 1STEK1OK BULLETIN OK THE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY No. 19O S F, GEOGRAPHY, 28 WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1902 UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CHARLES D. WALCOTT, DIRECTOR GAZETTEEK OF TEXAS BY HENRY G-A-NNETT WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1902 CONTENTS Page. Area .................................................................... 11 Topography and drainage..... ............................................ 12 Climate.................................................................. 12 Forests ...............................................................'... 13 Exploration and settlement............................................... 13 Population..............'................................................. 14 Industries ............................................................... 16 Lands and surveys........................................................ 17 Railroads................................................................. 17 The gazetteer............................................................. 18 ILLUSTRATIONS. Page. PF,ATE I. Map of Texas ................................................ At end. ry (A, Mean annual temperature.......:............................ 12 \B, Mean annual rainfall ........................................ 12 -ryj (A, Magnetic declination ........................................ 12 I B, Wooded areas............................................... 12 Density of population in 1850 ................................ 14 B, Density of population in 1860
    [Show full text]
  • Burial Registers for Military Posts, Camps, and Stations 1768-1921
    Publication Number: M-2014 Publication Title: Burial Registers for Military Posts, Camps, and Stations, 1768-1921 Date Published: 1996 BURIAL REGISTERS FOR MILITARY POSTS, CAMPS, AND STATIONS 1768-1921 Introduction On the single roll of this microfilm publication, M2014, is reproduced a two-volume register of burials at military posts, camps, and stations from 1768 to 1921; however, the bulk of the burials occurred between 1860 and 1890. These registers are part of the Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General, Record Group (RG) 92. This publication was financed by The Malcolm H. Stern-NARA Gift Fund and the National Archives Trust Fund. Background The registers included on this microfilm were created by the Cemetery Branch, established shortly after the Civil War in the Office of the Quartermaster General, Washington, DC. Entries in the two volumes were based on each post's burial records or grave markers. The first volume was created in 1873, updated periodically until 1883, and updated sporadically until 1932. The second was created in 1883 and updated periodically until 1932. Some burials (generally those that occurred before 1883 in cemeteries that were still active in 1883) are listed in both volumes. In the book, Quartermaster Support of the Army: A History of the Corps, 1775-1939 (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1962, reprinted 1989), Erna Risch provided the following history of the quartermaster's role in burying deceased military personnel at military posts: Ever since 1775, the [War] Department had assumed certain duties in caring for the dead. In line with its responsibility for construction, repair, and maintenance at Army posts, quartermasters had long administered post burial grounds.
    [Show full text]
  • Fort Phantom Hill Reservoir Watershed – Hydrologic Simulation
    TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Executive Summary …………………………………………………….. 1 2.0 Introduction …………………………………………………………….. 2 3.0 Watershed Description ……………………………………………………. 3 Topography and Drainage ……………………………………. 3 Geology ……………………………………………………. 4 Population ……………………………………………………. 4 Climate ……………………………………………………. 5 Land Use ……………………………………………………. 8 Wildlife ……………………………………………………. 8 Vegetation ……………………………………………………. 9 4.0 Hydrology …………………………………………………………….. 13 Surface Water ……………………………………………………. 14 Springs ………………………………………………….… 16 Groundwater Levels ……………………………………………. 16 Geology ……………………………………………………. 18 Existing Surface Water Hydrology ……………………………. 19 Existing Groundwater Hydrology ……………………………. 19 Description of the Hydrologic System ……………………. 22 5.0 Summary and Conclusions ……………………………………. 24 References ……………………….………………………………….… 25 Appendix A - Brush/Water Yield Feasibility Studies II Appendix B - Fort Phantom Hill Reservoir Watershed – Hydrologic Simulation Appendix C - Assessing the Economic Feasibility of Brush Control to Enhance Off-Site Water Yield Appendix D – Lake Fort Phantom Hill Watershed – Economic Analysis List of Tables Table 3.1 Population Trends for Jones and Taylor Counties……………….. 5 Table 3.2 Monthly Temperatures, Precipitation, and Evaporation of the ….. 7 Fort Phantom Hill Reservoir Watershed List of Figures Figure 3.1 Fort Phantom Hill Reservoir Watershed ………………..….. 3 Figure 3.2 Aquifers in the Fort Phantom Hill Reservoir Watershed …… 4 Figure 3.3 Natural Regions of Texas …………………………………… 6 Figure 3.4 Fort Phantom Hill Reservoir Watershed
    [Show full text]
  • West Texas Trip Itineraries
    ITINERARIES 2016 FEATURING: ABILENE AMARILLO BIG BEND DENTON EL PASO FORT DAVIS FORT WORTH GRANBURY LUBBOCK MIDLAND ODESSA SAN ANGELO FOR THE TEXAS GROUP TOUR EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME WestTexasTrip.com • 1 WEST TEXAS TRIP ITINERARIES EXPERTLY CURATED TRAVEL ITINERARIES for groups of all sizes, across the wide-open spaces and authentic places of the Texas you’ve always dreamed of exploring COME EXPERIENCE THE SKIES AND SUNSETS, dramatic vistas, and fascinating heritage of West Texas. From vast plains and canyonlands to historic forts to the mountains and the Rio Grande, from small-town charm to city lights, from the old Butterfield Overland and Chisholm Trails to Route 66, there’s plenty for visitors to see and enjoy while touring by motor coach or other transport. And we’ve made the planning simple for you. OUR LOOP ITINERARIES link destinations and attractions by a variety of themes. Or if you prefer point-to-point travel, it’s easy to pick the segment that suits your needs, by city of arrival or departure, by land or by air. TOUR GROUPS are encouraged to combine these different loops, depending on interests and length of travel. And if you prefer, our participating local partners will be glad to design a custom itinerary for you. Select your theme and explore the color-coded loops for specifics. NEED A LOCAL GUIDE? We can help there, too. Experienced step-on guides, docents, and certified tourism professionals are available in most locations. Give us a shout. AND START PLANNING YOUR TRIP OF A LIFETIME. WWW.WESTTEXASTRIP.COM 2 • WestTexasTrip.com BEST OF WEST TEXAS ANNUAL EVENTS Use this handy calendar of our major events to plan your trip — and check your favorites along each color-coded loop.
    [Show full text]
  • WEST TEXAS COLLECTION Ed Fisher Collection
    WEST TEXAS COLLECTION Ed Fisher Collection 6.3 linear feet + books and maps Record ID: 1995- 1 Donor: Ed and Evalena Fisher Acquisition: Gift Access: Open for research Restrictions: None Citation: Ed Fisher Collection, West Texas Collection, Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas Administrative/Biographical History: Ed Fisher was born 8 November 1924 to a pioneer West Texas family, Albert and Edith Fisher. He always described himself as a “dogie” because he was reared by Ira Driver. He graduated from Texas A&M University, the Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management, and Texas Tech University with an MBA. During World War II, Fisher served with the 1st and 9th Armies in Europe. He married Evalena Blowey. Ed Fisher had a varied career. He taught at Angelo State University, surveyed land, and worked in real estate. After his retirement he poured himself into writing about the history of West Texas. Scope and Content: The majority of the collection pertains to the history of West Texas and those who settled the country. Fisher was also extremely interested in surveying and land records. The collection includes a large number of maps. Arrangement: Box File Description 1 West Texas Counties 1a Articles and Stories written by Ed Fisher “Lunch” “Boots” “Red” “A Fast Trip in Slow Wagons” “From the Southeast” “Doodle-Bugging” The River that Was – A bibliography of Beals Creek, Texas Box File Description “Icy Ladder” “An Overview- Settlement of the Llano Estacado, 1878 to 1890” 1 History of Andrews Co. 2 Borden Co. “C.C. Slaughter – King of the cattle industry” by Pamela Wilson Borden Citizen Borden County Historical Society Newsletter 3 Buffalo Gap 4 History of Dawson Co.
    [Show full text]
  • A Is Necessary to an Understanding of How Texans Evolved Their System of Frontier Protection in 1861-1865
    3~79 AI " ' FRONTIER DEFENSE IN TEXAS: 1861-1865 DISSERTATION Presented to the Graduate Council of the North Texas State University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY By David Paul Smith, B.S., M.Ed., M.A. Denton, Texas December, 1987 HA Smith, David Paul, Frontier Defense in Texas, 1861- 1865. Doctor of Philosophy (American History), December, 1987, 419 pp., 7 illustrations, bibliography, 228 titles. The Texas Ranger tradition of over twenty-five years of frontier defense influenced the methods by which Texans provided for frontier defense, 1861-1865. The elements that guarded the Texas frontier during the war combined organizational policies that characterized previous Texas military experience and held the frontier together in marked contrast to its rapid collapse at the Confederacy's end. The first attempt to guard the Indian frontier during the Civil War was by the Texas Mounted Rifles, a regiment patterned after the Rangers, who replaced the United States troops forced out of the state by the Confederates. By the spring of 1862 the Frontier Regiment, a unit funded at state expense, replaced the Texas Mounted Rifles and assumed responsibility for frontier defense during 1862 and 1863. By mid-1863 the question of frontier defense for Texas was not so clearly defined as in the war's early days. Then, the Indian threat was the only responsibility, but the magnitude of Civil War widened the scope of frontier protection. From late 1863 until the war's end, frontier defense went hand in hand with protecting frontier Texans &.J.
    [Show full text]