The Texanist
May 1, 2024
The Texanist: I’m Moving From California to Galveston. What Words Should I Learn?
Even if you’re not BOI and you have no idea what a feeder road is, the Texanist is here to help.
Being Texan
The Texanist
April 19, 2024
The Texanist: Texas Gets More Tornadoes Than Any Other State, but Don’t Freak Out
Here’s how to prepare for tornado season, which is still relatively low-risk.
Meanwhile, in Texas
April 19, 2024
Meanwhile, in Texas: A Very Popular Tortoise Ran Away From Home Very, Very Slowly
A brief and highly selective look at what just happened, from a tortoise that ran (well, crawled) away to some gizmos that were carried (that is, taken) away.
The Texanist
April 18, 2024
The Texanist: Can You Explain to My Frito Pie–Hating Husband Why He’s So, So Wrong?
An Austin woman married to a British man is looking for someone to defend this delicious and quintessentially Texas dish.
Texas History
April 18, 2024
New Markers Remember Enslaved People Brought to Texas by Sea
Volunteers and historians are breaking new ground in a less widely told story of slavery in Texas.
Texas History
April 18, 2024
The Former Slave Who Became a Cowboy, a Rancher, and a Texas Legend
Daniel Webster Wallace was born in bondage in South Texas. By the time of his death, nearly eight decades later, he'd amassed a fortune—and a place in West Texas history.
Being Texan
April 17, 2024
Rule One of Wind Turbine Repair Work: Don’t Leave Your Phone at the Top
A Big Spring wind turbine technician says the views three hundred feet above West Texas are magnificent—just watch out for the flying ants.
Books
April 15, 2024
Waring Cuney Is the Best Harlem Renaissance Poet You’ve Never Heard Of
He hung out with Langston Hughes and wrote verses inspired by his Galveston roots, but he’s largely been forgotten. A new biography seeks to change that.
Texas History
April 11, 2024
Texas’s First College for Black Women Lies in Ruins. Can It Find a New Purpose?
In a small East Texas town, Mary Allen College offered opportunity to thousands of Black women, and later men, for nearly nine decades. It’s been shuttered since 1977, but efforts are underway to restore it.
Texas History
April 3, 2024
His Art Was Real. His Native American Heritage Wasn’t.
Texas writer and artist Roxy Gordon loved Native culture so much that—at least in his own mind—he “became” an Indian.
Being Texan
April 3, 2024
$1,247 Airfare, 231 Confused Critters, and Other Outrageous Texas Eclipse Numbers
As many as one million eclipse-chasers are expected to travel for the big day in Texas. They’ll eat hundreds of pounds of brisket and stay in some very pricey Airbnbs.
The Texanist
April 1, 2024
The Texanist: The Eclipse Forecast Is Not Looking Good, Y’all
But it’s still too early to say for sure, and the experience should be spectacular regardless.
The Texanist
March 18, 2024
The Texanist: Do Rural Texans Still Love Local Baseball?
A Conroe man remembers the glory days of the Ballinger Cats and his hometown Rabbit Twisters.
The Texanist
March 13, 2024
The Texanist: How Do I Navigate the DPS Without Losing My Mind?
Long wait times for driver’s licenses can be frustrating, but there are ways to work within the system (including—shh!—under-the-radar offices with no waits).
The Texanist
February 29, 2024
The Texanist: Why Doesn’t Dallas Have a Rodeo?
An investigation into Big D's lack of a big, dusty to-do.
Texas History
February 27, 2024
The Forgotten Poets (and Unlikely Alliance) of Crystal City
More than three thousand people were locked up in the South Texas camp, which closed 76 years ago today. Internees and descendants have joined forces with community members to honor their shared history.
Meanwhile, in Texas
February 16, 2024
Meanwhile, in Texas: The Man Who Really, Really Didn’t Like His Mom’s Spaghetti
A brief and highly selective look at what just happened, from a man who really hated his mom’s spaghetti to a Walmart shopper looking for really low prices.
Being Texan
February 15, 2024
Scenes From a Decades-Long Identity Crisis
More than six decades ago, an unseen figure perched in a Corpus Christi tree posed a question that still has no answer.
Being Texan
February 14, 2024
Meet the King of George Strait Impersonators
When the sun is high in the Texas sky, Derek Spence be playing King George's songs at a county fair—or somewhere.
Texas History
February 13, 2024
Barred From a Segregated Golf Course, These Texas Teens Built Their Own
The team from Del Rio went on to win the Texas high school golf championship in 1957—and soon will see its story told in movie theaters around the country.
The Texanist
February 12, 2024
The Texanist: Why Were My Public Schools Named After People I’ve Never Heard Of?
Q: I went to two schools named after presumably notable Texans: James S. Deady Middle School and Charles H. Milby High School. Who were these people?Rick, via emailA: The Lone Star State brims with institutions of public education whose facades are emblazoned with names that are instantly familiar to anyone
Texas History
February 7, 2024
Ah, the Sweet Scent of Mission’s Citrus Fiesta
All hail Queen Citrianna and the Duchess of Ruby Red, who ride atop floats adorned with hundreds of slices of fresh fruit.
Sports
January 31, 2024
Inside America’s Last Ninepin Bowling Enclave
Once a national craze, ninepin bowling is now practiced in just eighteen Texas clubs, where a vibrant cast of characters keep the sport alive.
Being Texan
January 29, 2024
If It Isn’t Stamped at the Love Station in Valentine, Texas, Is It Even Really a Valentine?
Mail your card to this tiny West Texas post office, and its sole employee will hand-cancel it with a charming postmark (for free).
Working Life
January 23, 2024
A Texas Dinosaur Sculptor Talks About Her Jurassic Dream Job
'Everyone wants a T. Rex,’ says Casandra Sowards, lead sculptor at Allen's Billings Productions, a leading maker of animatronic dinosaurs.
The Texanist
January 23, 2024
The Texanist: Can Texas Show Two Middle-aged English Women a Good Time?
Q: A lifelong dream of mine was to go ranching and horseback riding in the U.S., and finally last year my best friend, Maxinne, and I visited Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans and had the time of our lives, so in February we’re doing it again. This time, Texas: horses, country
Art
January 22, 2024
What a Texan Looks Like, According to AI
Think lots and lots of cowboy hats.
Being Texan
January 22, 2024
The Life and Death of a Former East Austin Gang Member
Two years ago Texas Monthly published a story about a group of young men growing up fatherless in East Austin. In October, one of them was killed.
Texas History
January 11, 2024
Felix Longoria Died a Hero in World War II. Then His Texas Hometown Refused to Host His Memorial.
His family fought back—and made a lasting impact on the fight for Mexican American rights.
Being Texan
December 28, 2023
To Celebrate 50 Years, We Asked What You Love About Texas. Here’s What You Said.
We took a pop-up phone booth across the state and collected voicemails about what makes Texas special, then turned those responses into an animated video.
Texas History
December 19, 2023
The Thorny History of the Poinsettia’s Namesake
Joel R. Poinsett, the first American minister to Mexico, was supposed to help the U.S. buy Texas. He meddled in local politics instead.
The Texanist
December 12, 2023
The Texanist: Do Texas Sheriffs Ever Remove Their Hats Indoors?
A Brenham man wonders why, in contravention of common custom, those Stetsons never seem to get doffed.
Texas History
December 4, 2023
This 1879 Map Is Now the Priciest Map of Texas Ever Sold at Auction
It fetched $705,000, topping the list of about 165 items from Ted Lusher's Texana collection.
Texas History
November 30, 2023
A Treasure Trove of Texas History Is Up for Auction. Here Are the Coolest Items.
An original broadsheet announcing the fall of the Alamo, the first book published in Texas, and other stuff that Phil Collins will probably buy.
Being Texan
November 28, 2023
In the Misinformation Age, Believing In Bigfoot Is Harder Than Ever
When the internet is saturated with fake videos and doctored photos, what’s a wood ape enthusiast to do?
Best Thing in Texas
November 14, 2023
A Guy in Grapevine Had the Best Hike Ever: He Discovered a New Dinosaur.
Roughly the weight of a standard schnauzer, the plant-eating dino roamed North Texas 96 million years ago.
The Texanist
November 14, 2023
The Texanist: What Would Happen if We Stopped Hunting Deer?
Hunters in Texas kill a lot of white-tailed deer each year. What would happen if they didn’t kill any at all?
Giving Back
November 13, 2023
Lots of Help Is Available for At-Risk Students, but Few Know How to Get It
Adeeb Barqawi founded the nonprofit ProUnitas, which helps connect social, health, and education services with the students who need them most.
Giving Back
November 13, 2023
Heroes Among Us
With governments increasingly incapable of addressing everything from homelessness to veterans’ needs, ordinary Texans are stepping into the breach.
Giving Back
November 13, 2023
Providing Shelter, Job Training, and Community for Those in Need
The Other Ones Foundation, led by Chris Baker, transformed a state-run encampment site for Austinites experiencing homelessness into a welcoming refuge.
Giving Back
November 13, 2023
A Powerful Introduction to Nature for Kids Who Rarely See It
San Antonio’s Leon and Leticia McNeil have introduced generations of Black and Latino youth to the outdoors through their nonprofit, City Kids Adventures.
Giving Back
November 13, 2023
Great Moments, Great Texans
Lone Star State residents found ways big and small to lend each other a helping hand.
Giving Back
November 13, 2023
Eight Texans Who Are Taking On Some of Our Biggest Challenges
Whether helping prevent military suicides or reversing a childcare desert, these Texans are finding creative solutions to big problems.
Giving Back
November 13, 2023
If Nothing Else, Coach
Teaching kids how to play soccer made me a better person. So why don’t more Texans volunteer?
Best Thing in Texas
November 10, 2023
A Texas Teen Is Introducing Pedal Steel Guitar to a New Generation
Noah Faulkner’s popular twangy covers countrify songs by Duran Duran, Joy Division, U2, and more.
Best Thing in Texas
November 10, 2023
A Texas Marathoner With Down Syndrome Logs Another Historic Run
A viral video of Austin’s Kayleigh Williamson completing the New York City Marathon last weekend inspired athletes from coast to coast.
Meanwhile, in Texas
November 10, 2023
Meanwhile, in Texas: Maybe This Alligator Just Wanted Some Girl Scout Cookies?
Plus, a cocktail that carnivores can get behind and a pig you’ll get way behind, if you know what’s good for you.
Being Texan
November 8, 2023
Galveston’s Port Chaplain Is a Godsend to Weary Ship Workers
Deacon Jeff Willard blesses seafarers with everything from prayers to rides around Galveston Island to cherry cigarillos.
Being Texan
November 6, 2023
In Search of Texas’s Hidden Polish Heritage
Just southeast of San Antonio, a rare European American dialect may be dying, or already dead. That’s a shame. Or is it?
Being Texan
November 3, 2023
Texans Should Embrace the Time Change. It’s One of Few Seasonal Markers We Have.
In lieu of fall foliage and chilly weather, at least we get to turn back the clocks.