Passport to Texas

Remember the Alamo! Reenacting the Battle of San Jacinto

History/Event: The Battle of San Jacinto Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Battle of San Jacinto was a game changer in Texas History. On April 21, 1836, an untrained Texian militia routed General Santa Ana’s troops.

11 – The actual battle lasted less than half an hour; it carried on into the evening with clean up. But the main assault and the main fighting was done in less than half an hour.

Justin Rhodes is Region Four Director for State Parks, which includes the San Jacinto Battlegrounds in LaPorte. On Saturday, April 20th, the historic site celebrates this momentous battle with a reenactment and festival.

16 – If you’re planning on coming out on Saturday the 20th, I would recommend you arrive early when the crowds are low. That will give you plenty of time to visit the festival and get set up for the reenactment. The reenactment will occur only once during the day, and it happens around one o’clock.

Rhodes hopes visitors leave with renewed appreciation for the sacrifices made on the battlefield in 1836.

21—Ultimately we want visitors to take away an appreciation of the significance of the site, the event, the history that brought us to where we are today. So much of what we do today and tomorrow is based on lessons from the past – from the sacrifices that these men and women brought forward. They teach us valuable life lessons moving into the future.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Details at www.texasstateparks.org.

Support provided by Ram Trucks. Doing what’s right and good regardless of the degree of difficulty — takes guts. Those are the people who build Ram trucks. RAM.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Mission Tejas, image © Texas Parks and Wildlife

State Parks: Mission Tejas Folk Festival Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Spring is when we make every effort to recreate in the outdoors. And our State Park Guide Bryan Frazier tells us while getting physical in state parks is common – so it getting musical.

51 – We also have festivals and events like the Annual Folk festival at Mission Tejas State Park; it’s in east Texas – and what a setting! You’ve got the rice Family Cabin that’s been restored from the 1820s and 30s. And they’re going to have dulcimer music and they’re going to have Wild West Shootouts, and they’ll have all kinds of activities. They’re very family oriented in this historic setting that marks the first Spanish Mission from the 1600s in Texas. That replica site was built by the CCC [Civilian Conservation Corps] in the 1930s is also at Mission Tejas. And it just makes the absolute best setting for a folk festival with those big, tall pine trees that east Texas is famous for. And that’s going to be April 20 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. And, I really encourage people if they’re in that neck of the woods – or even if they’re not – check out Mission Tejas and their annual folk festival.

Thanks, Bryan.

Find additional information at texasstateparks.org.

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Fort Richardson State Historic Site

State Parks: Fort Richardson Anniversary Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Fort Richardson played a vital role settling the Texas frontier. And we celebrate the146th anniversary of this outpost later this month. Our State Park Guide Bryan Frazier has details.

57 – For Richardson from the 1860s to the 1870s was one of the most significant outposts on the Texas frontier. You’re talking about being on the edge or, and in the heart of, Comancheria at the time. So, this particular outpost was responsible for helping ensure the safety of the settlers and the farmers and the ranchers that were there in the area. And it’s the 146th birthday of Ft. Richardson, which is in the city limits of Jacksboro, just north of Interstate 20, about an hour and thirty minutes west of Fort Worth. And they’re going to have all kinds of activities and re-enactors; soldiers from the 1860s and 70s in their full regalia on horseback, and cannons firing. And there will be cavalry, infantry and artillery troops. It’s just a great event. It’s going to be Friday and Saturday – the 12th & 13th of this month – to get out and see the living history event at Fort Richard State park and Historic Site.

Thanks, Bryan.

Find additional information at texasstateparks.org.

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Bastrop State Park

State Parks: 80th Reunion of the CCC Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Civilian Conservation Corps, or the CCC, was fundamental in the development of the state and the national park systems. Our state park guide, Bryan Frazier, says this month we’re celebrating the program’s 80th anniversary.

56 –We’re doing a reunion and an anniversary honor for the 80th year of the CCC; it’s going to be at Palo Duro Canyon, April 6th and 7th. And so we’re putting out a call for someone who might know of someone or be related to someone who served in a CCC camp – we especially want you at this event. But the public is also invited. There will be displays of the craftsmanship of the CCC; American Youthworks will be there and they’ll do a demonstration of constructing a bench form a log, and they’ll show how the CCC worked by hand to build these amazing pieces of furniture and these amazing structures that still are in use today. Here in Texas we have 29 state parks that bear the signature of the CCC. April 8 & 7 at majestic Palo Duro Canyon in the Panhandle. We want people to come and enjoy that, and see what the CCC represented and the legacy that it has today.

Thanks, Bryan.

Find additional information at texasstateparks.org.

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Image by Darcy Rocha, Rockwall, Texas

State Parks: Easter Egg Hunts Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Two state parks will be open for hunting on March 30th. Our State park Guide, Bryan Frazier, tells us what hunters hope to bag…or in this case: basket.

60—Some of our parks are having Easter Egg Hunts the day before Easter, which is Saturday, March 30th.Those are both in east Texas. It’s Cooper lake State Park, which is north of Interstate 30, east of Dallas, and Martin Dies, Jr. State Park, which is in southeast Texas. And both of them will divide the kids by age, where there will be more egg hunting and candy and things for the younger kids. And then, the older kids will have more prizes and games. They’re safe places to bring your kids. Cooper Lake State Park is waiving the entrance fee for this event. So, check our state parks website; there’s an events section there and calendar – and you can find out more about that at www.texasstateparks.org. But, we’re right now in the beginning of the outdoor visitation season for most people – and there’s a reason for that. The weather’s getting good and warm – it’s a beautiful time to be out in the parks. And Easter is just a precious time for small children, especially, to get outdoors, hunt those Easter Eggs, and be with your family outside.

Thanks, Bryan.

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.