Before we celebrate the 176th Anniversary of Texas Independence, come learn about Texans who certainly made an impression. Visit each historical time period and learn about the people who helped make this state great!
We hope you enjoy the stories we have planned for you from some historical figures you may have heard from and a few unexpected figures as well. We hope you enjoy our Tales!
Family Tale:
Nancy Jones – At 18 years of age, Nancy Jones would leave her home in Arkansas to follow her new husband to an unsettled and hostile land. Meet this brave woman who started a family legacy that would span 149 years.
Texas Tales:
Jane Wilkins – Jane, a widow, moved to Texas in 1822 with her two daughters and other family members. Learn about her journey and subsequent life as a true pioneer woman in early Texas.
Stephen F. Austin – In 1821, in an effort to carry out his father’s dream, Stephen F. Austin worked to start a small colony in what was then Mexico. In doing so, he would forever change the history of this land and pave the way for future generations.
Family Tale:
Mary “Polly” Ryon – Mary, who everyone called Polly, would continue the Jones family legacy. With her husband William, she would spawn a ranching empire that would endure for decades to come.
Texas Tales:
Sarah Jane Newman “Sally” Scull – One of the more colorful Texas women of her time, Sally would play by her own rules and pave her own way in mid-Eighteenth century Texas.
Edward Hopkins Cushing – Explore the life of an early-Texas newspaper man through the trials and tribulations of Edward Hopkins Cushing. Learn how newspapers were made back when and try your hand in an old-fashioned print-shop.
Family Tale:
J.H.P Davis - In 1875, J.H.P Davis married Polly’s daughter Susan Elizabeth. With his mother-in-law by his side, Davis would steward the family legacy into a new century. Visit him in his Victorian Mansion and learn about life in the 1890s.
Texas Tales:
Charles Goodnight – Renowned Texas Rancher Charles Goodnight helped pave the way for cattle drives to Kansas. Come learn about his innovative idea, the “Chuckwagon” and how it helped save an industry.
Nat Love – A frequent visitor and occasional resident of our fair state, Nat Love is one of the most vibrant African American cowboys in the history books. Meet this adventurous figure and learn more about his legendary life.
Family Tale:
Mamie Davis George – Mamie, daughter of Susan Elizabeth and J.H.P. Davis, was the last surviving member of the Jones family. She would leave a legacy of good works upon her death which would continue with the George Foundation that still exists today.
Texas Tales:
The 1930s Cowboy – Depression-era cowboys worked from dawn to dusk with very little pay. Come learn about this hard, but rewarding profession.
The Civilian Conservation Corps in Texas – The Civilian Conservation Corps left an enduring legacy in Texas between the years 1933-1942. Come learn about this government program which helped bring the country out of the Great Depression and irrevocably changed the landscape of our great state.
Land Grant Parceling - Come watch and even participate as Austin’s Original 300 colonists finally get their land.
10am, 1pm
Cattle Round-Up – Watch a true 1890s-style cattle round-up in progress as the Long Horns are rounded up to be sent to market.
11am, 2pm
For more information, call (281) 343-0218 or e-mail info@georgeranch.org.