Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 100: The Texas Centennial
 
It’s a big day for us at the Alamo Podcast. Not only are we celebrating our two-year anniversary – it's our 100th episode. We are marking the occasion with a special look at the Texas Centennial.

We reveal how the Lone Star State celebrated 100 years of independence, where on Alamo grounds you’ll see symbols of the milestone, and the efforts in Dallas to preserve that critical first century of Texas history. Featuring the Alamo's Senior Historian Ernesto Rodriguez and the Dallas Historical Society's Director of Education David Lee.

Digital copy of book “Monuments Erected by the State of Texas to Commemorate the Centenary of Texas Independence:" https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112040449586&seq=21&view=thumb
More on Dallas Historical Society: https://www.dallashistory.org
Video of Dallas Historical Society's Alamo diorama: https://vimeo.com/679258823
Photos of Dallas Historical Society's Alamo diorama: https://www.dallashistory.org/exhibitions/#1725643784862-5e257fa1-3e9d

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 99: The Republic Of Texas Navy
 
The Texas Navy safeguarded the Texas coastline for nearly 10 years - a proud, if lesser known, facet of the fight to forge and maintain a free and independent Texas.
 
Wee reveal the humble origins of the Texas Navy, the expensive yet effective efforts to bolster the seafaring force, and how a power struggle between its commander and a war-hero president culminated in a voyage to the Navy’s final battle. Featuring author and independent historian Jonathan Jordan.

More on Jonathan Jordan's book "Lone Star Navy:" https://www.amazon.com/Lone-Star-Navy-Shaping-American/dp/1597970530
See photo of Texas Navy uniform plates in the Alamo's collection: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyBaucumSATX/posts/1008157857339963

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 98: The Travis Letter's Journey Home

With the Alamo under siege, Lt. Col. William Barret Travis penned a letter to the people of Texas and all Americans in the world. His passionate plea for help is now one of the most treasured artifacts in all of Texas.
 
We reveal the successful effort to bring the Travis Letter back home to the Alamo, for good: the plans for where to display it, and how its words remain so resonant today. Featuring Alamo Trust, Inc., Executive Director Dr. Kate Rogers; the Alamo's Senior Historian Ernesto Rodriguez; the Alamo's Senior Researcher & Historian Kolby Lanham; and the Alamo's Collections Manager Misty Lanham.

Bonus Rewind Episode ⏮️ "The Travis Letter" - https://youtu.be/88HptwIU1rM?si=uQ9LQKi8POfzCpYY
Watch video from The Travis Letter's 2024 return to the Alamo: https://youtu.be/JRyJkcboY9w?si=toYvTQlMGQ5y-Rah

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 97: What Is A Mission?
 
Before it was a world-famous battle site, and before it was called the Alamo, the land we know today was a humble Spanish Mission - a place to expand an empire – through faith and education.
 
We reveal what is a mission: why they moved around, how San Antonio came to have so many, and the legacy of people who called our missions home. Featuring the Alamo's Senior Historian Ernesto Rodriguez.

2025 World Heritage Festival: https://www.worldheritagefestival.org
The Alamo's Mission Days event: https://www.thealamo.org/visit/mission-day

Bonus Rewind Episode ⏮️ "Connecting The San Antonio Missions - https://youtu.be/QJQ2cpWT1Qo?si=g0gwaYkprjjbNO6D

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 96: The Texans & The Comanches
 
The Comanches rode through history on horseback, earning a reputation as formidable foes on the frontier. The Indigenous tribe both served as witness and played an active role in every era of Texas history.

We reveal how the Comanches first encountered Spanish settlers, the part they played in the fight for Texas independence, and how their renowned battle skills led to a warfare game changer. Featuring The Texas Center's Dr. Don Frazier from Schreiner University.

More on Dr. Frazier's book "Frontier Texas:" https://www.amazon.com/Frontier-Texas-History-Borderland-1880/dp/1880510839
Texas State Historical Association article on the Comanches: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/comanche-indians
View photos of the Alamo's Colt revolvers: https://www.thealamo.org/podcast/episode-95

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 95: How Texas Saved Samuel Colt
 
An impossible gun that could shoot five or six times before reloading. An inventor from Connecticut made it possible at a time when the young Republic of Texas needed weapons.
 
We reveal why making this impossible gun nearly broke Samuel Colt, and how a Texas Ranger with ideas to make it better reversed his fortunes, saved the business, and secured them both places in Texas history books. Featuring the Alamo's Senior Researcher & Historian Kolby Lanham.

View photos of the Alamo's Colt revolvers: https://www.thealamo.org/podcast/episode-95
Read more on Colt revolvers in Texas: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/colt-revolvers

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 94: Where's The Basement? Pee-Wee's Impact At The Alamo
 
Starting this week, a new treasure goes on display at the Alamo. It’s not a battle weapon or a document. It’s a red Schwinn bicycle made famous by Pee-wee Herman as his unforgettable quest to find his missing bike takes him, of all places, to the Alamo.
 
We reveal how this bicycle has driven a new generation of visitors to the Alamo, how you can be among the first to see it, and why the Alamo is embracing this piece of Hollywood history. Featuring the Alamo's Senior Historian Ernesto Rodriguez.

CBS News story on the Alamo acquiring the bicycle: https://youtu.be/taywJcv44QA?si=UCr6Jk1CvMxh5u_O
Be the first to see the bike at our Friends of the Alamo preview: https://www.thealamo.org/visit/pop-culture-preview-pee-wees-bicycle
Plan your visit to see the bike at the Alamo Exhibit: https://www.thealamo.org/plan-your-visit/

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 93: Back To School With The Alamo
 
Students and teachers across Texas are in countdown mode, with the new school year beginning in just weeks. Our Education Team here at the Alamo is here to help them get straight A’s.
 
We reveal how our Education Team spent summer vacation - from taking teachers on historical journeys through Texas and Mexico, to making sure students of all backgrounds have access to the rich history here at the Alamo. Featuring the Alamo's Director of Education Alex Rivard and Texas school teachers Amanda Rasco, Juan Carlos Vasquez, and Zelina Cruz.

The Alamo's Professional Development Programs for educators: https://www.thealamo.org/teach/workshops-for-credit
The Alamo Teacher Institute: https://www.thealamo.org/alamo-teacher-institute
The Alamo's field trip opportunities: https://www.thealamo.org/teach/field-trips

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 92: The New Orleans Greys
 
A simple flag with its gold fringe trim flew at the Alamo during the fateful battle on March 6, 1836. The flag belonged to the New Orleans Greys, a volunteer company that joined the Texas Revolution. Most of its men never lived to see an independent Texas.
 
We reveal the pivotal role the New Orleans Greys played during the Siege and Battle of the Alamo, how their company flag stands the test of time, and the legacy left behind by their sacrifice for freedom. Featuring the Alamo's Senior Historian Ernesto Rodriguez and Alamo Living Historian Scott Jones.

See New Orleans Greys flag on display in Mexico City: https://www.thealamo.org/fileadmin/assets/support/research_and_studies/new_orleans_greys_flag.jpeg
View artwork featuring New Orleans Greys flag: https://digital.utsa.edu/digital/collection/p9020coll008/id/9460/

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 91: Weapons & Wounds
 
A famous painting by William Henry Huddle depicts what happened after the Texas victory at San Jacinto. Santa Anna has surrendered. Sam Houston is negotiating the terms while lying on the ground with a bandaged leg, his tibia bone shattered by a musket ball.
 
We reveal how battle wounds were treated during the Texas Revolution, the types of wounds that resulted from weapons of the time, and why it’s important that history remembers how battlefield medicine was practiced. Featuring the Alamo's former curator Dr. Bruce Winders.

View William Henry Huddle's painting "The Surrender of Santa Anna:" https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/discover/artifacts/the-surrender-of-santa-anna
Attend Dr. Winders' upcoming talk at San Jacinto: https://www.sanjacinto-museum.org/Visit/Calendar/Lecture_Weapons_and_Wounds_of_the_Texas_Revolution/?date=08%2F16%2F2025

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 90: Money In The Republic Of Texas
 
"Follow the money." That familiar motto of investigative journalists is also the credo of numismatists: people who study coins and currency.
 
We combine both skill sets to reveal the financial system of the Republic of Texas, how the struggle for independence was financed, and why Texas coffers never recovered from the heavy price of freedom. Featuring independent author and historian James Bevill.

James Bevill's book "The Paper Republic:" https://www.amazon.com/Paper-Republic-Struggle-Credit-Independence/dp/1933979259

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 89: The Civil War & San Antonio
 
A nation deeply divided and rapidly heading toward a civil war that will cause bloodshed across the land, and cost more than 600,000 lives.

We reveal San Antonio’s role in the Civil War, how the first gun shots almost were fired at the Alamo, and how the mission-turned-military-fort played a pivotal role in America’s bloodiest conflict. Featuring the Texas Center's Dr. Don Frazier.

More on Dr. Frazier: https://www.tshaonline.org/about/people/donald-frazier
Dr. Frazier's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-S.-Frazier/author/B001HPGPZQ?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=5c05e4ef-4ea8-4690-8ec3-cf802f324451
Essay on San Antonio and the Civil War by Dr. Bruce Winders: https://www.thealamo.org/remember/military-occupation/alamo-in-the-civil-war

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 88: Texas Legacy Of Juneteenth
 
June 19, 1865 is forever known as Juneteenth, the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed “all slaves are free" - and they had been free, for more than two years.
 
We reveal the complicated path that led to a remarkably simple military order that changed hundreds of thousands of lives, how Texas led the way in making Juneteenth a federal holiday… and the powerful performance taking place today, at the Alamo. Featuring author and historian Edward Cotham, and Texas Commission on the Arts "Texas Touring Roster Artist" Dr. Jolie Rocke.

More on Edward Cotham's work: https://www.edcotham.com
More on Dr. Jolie Rocke's work: https://www.arts.texas.gov/product/jolie-rocke/

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 87: The Alamo's Newest Pop Culture Treasures

We asked, and Alamo enthusiasts more than delivered. It’s been a year since the Alamo launched its “Treasures of the Alamo” campaign, calling on you to help us fill our Pop Culture Gallery inside the future Visitor Center and Museum.
 
We reveal the amazing treasures we’ve discovered, the stories behind these homegrown collections, and where you can see them first. Featuring the Alamo's Director of Curation Nathan Jones and Memorabilia Collector Kevin Settle.

View samples of newest finds: https://www.thealamo.org/podcast/episode-87

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 86: Medicine At The Alamo
 
The Alamo is known for many things: a Spanish Mission, a battlefield, a treasured historic site. But one of its lesser-known distinctions is being home to the first hospital in Texas.
 
We reveal how medical science shaped the Alamo, from the world’s first documented vaccine being administered on its grounds to the backdrop of the battle’s last stand being right inside the hospital. Featuring the Alamo's Researcher Thomas Ledesma and the Alamo's STEAM Education Specialist Morgan Oldham.

Watch Ask The Alamo: What was dental care like in the 1830s? - https://youtu.be/Zd3KWooJ4Eg?si=OEuARv2gyMjd4mSG
Watch Ask The Alamo: Who offered medical care in 1830s Texas? - https://youtu.be/TwF19ua486w?si=bLJpcWcPYfSjOVVP
Watch Ask The Alamo: How has medicine played a role at the Alamo? - https://youtu.be/_GsE6UQbWs4?si=Ut_yY8OBQcC-8EFe
Watch Ask The Alamo: What's in an 1830s doctor's kit? - https://youtu.be/2KaYpcub7h0?si=JqLinbJlCqZUdZhJ
Watch Ask The Alamo: Why is there graffiti on the Alamo Church? - https://youtu.be/X9VUxnoOViA?si=pVS5K73GvryRnhxX

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 85: Texas Revolution Military Uniforms
 
Bright colors, big hats, and tall plumes: the military uniforms of the Texas Revolution are about as opposite as you can get from modern-day khaki and camouflage.
 
We reveal the practical reasons behind the ornate military fashion, how these intricate uniforms fostered morale within the ranks, and the uniforms that survived battles and time to be on display, right here at the Alamo. Featuring the Alamo's Director of Interpretation Tom Castanos, Alamo Living Historian Cameron Lyman, and the Alamo's Collections Manager Misty Lanham.

Photo of the Mexican military helmet in the Phil Collins Collection: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyBaucumSATX/posts/765435258278892
Photo of Santa Anna's uniform from the Huffines Collection: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyBaucumSATX/posts/1088124519343296
Video of Sam Houston and Santa Anna's uniform accessories from Huffines Collection: https://youtu.be/cWYVFvsD5gk?si=1L8iYAUEvByqr8yy
Plan your visit to the Alamo Exhibit: https://www.thealamo.org/plan-your-visit/

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 84: The Mexican Army's Final Days At The Alamo
 
By May 1836, the news of Texas independence has spread, and the Alamo will once again change hands.
 
We reveal the Mexican Army’s final days at the Alamo, the orders sent from on high to tear down reinforcements, and the literal fire left behind inside the Alamo Church. Featuring the Alamo's Senior Researcher & Historian Kolby Lanham.

Essay on the Alamo after the Battle: https://officialalamo.medium.com/bexar-after-the-battle-pt-1-bf06e6f299fe
Essay on the Alamo and the Republic of Texas Era: https://www.thealamo.org/remember/military-occupation/the-alamo-the-republic-of-texas

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 83: The Alamo Rangers
 
It is National Police Week in the United States. This year, the Alamo Rangers mark 50 years as the official security force of the Shrine of Texas Liberty. The role is steeped in the responsibility of protecting the Alamo Church and Long Barrack – the original mission’s two surviving structures – along with priceless artifacts, and the millions of people who visit the historic site.
 
We reveal the history of the Alamo Rangers, how the force has evolved over the decades, and the front row seat to history the Rangers have, as both guards and ambassadors of the Alamo. Featuring the Alamo's Senior Historian Ernesto Rodriguez, the Alamo Rangers Chief Gerald Ramirez, Alamo Ranger Sgt. Xavier Flores, and Alamo Ranger Sgt. Daniel Ramirez.

Watch for Alamo Ranger job openings: https://www.thealamo.org/alamo-trust/join-the-team/jobs

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 82: Cinco De Mayo
 
This week, the world celebrated Cinco de Mayo - a holiday that’s gained notoriety throughout the years, with themed parties and restaurant specials. But what really happened on that fateful May 5th?
 
We reveal the origins of Cinco de Mayo, and how our story here at the Alamo intersects with the historical path that led to this day. Featuring the Alamo's former curator Dr. Bruce Winders.

Read more on Cinco de Mayo: https://officialalamo.medium.com/what-do-you-mean-cinco-de-mayo-isnt-mexican-independence-day-3e42f35c8df8
Read about the previous Mexican War of Independence: https://officialalamo.medium.com/san-antonio-and-the-alamo-in-the-mexican-war-of-independence-2db481c718db

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 81: Preserving Precious Alamo Artifacts
 
As the calendar turns to May, the Alamo celebrates Preservation Month. Our responsibility to preserve Texas history includes the preservation of precious artifacts.
 
We reveal the latest artifacts to be added to the Alamo’s vault, how our team of experts finds artifacts of interest, and why the Alamo is always on the lookout for new treasures. Featuring the Alamo's Director of Curation Nathan Jones.

View photos of newly-acquired artifacts: https://www.thealamo.org/podcast/episode-81
Donate your artifacts to the Alamo: https://www.thealamo.org/artifacts

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 80: San Jacinto's Infamous Prisoner
 
The 18-minute Battle of San Jacinto proved to be a decisive victory for Texas, ensuring its independence and the establishment of a Republic. But in its wake, some unfinished business remained: what to do with a prisoner of war who happened to be the opponent’s President and General?
 
We reveal the events that unfolded 189 years ago this week when Santa Anna became a prisoner of war, and his attempts to stay alive and escape during his seven months as San Jacinto’s Infamous Prisoner. Featuring independent author and historian James Bevill, and the Alamo's former curator Dr. Bruce Winders.

Read Dr. Winders' essay on Santa Anna's capture: https://officialalamo.medium.com/the-capture-of-santa-anna-83454a5ffdc5
James Bevill's book "The Paper Republic:" https://www.amazon.com/Paper-Republic-Struggle-Credit-Independence/dp/1933979259

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 79: San Jacinto - Brief Battle, Long Legacy
 
The Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, lasted just 18 minutes. The brief battle leaves a long legacy as the decisive win gained Texas its hard-fought independence.
 
We reveal the battle from a descendant historian’s perspective, and the impact of San Jacinto on both world politics and the ordinary people living in its wake. Featuring the Alamo's Senior Researcher & Historian Kolby Lanham.

Bonus Rewind Episode ⏮️  "The Battle Of San Jacinto" - https://youtu.be/gEfEu8D69Yo?si=FcoeTIXC7lmwmOZR
Join our Friends of the Alamo "Battle of San Jacinto Fireside Chat:" https://www.thealamo.org/visit/battle-of-san-jacinto-fireside-chat
More on San Jacinto Day Celebration at battle site: https://www.sanjacinto-museum.org/Visit/Calendar/San_Jacinto_Day_Celebration/

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 78: Why The Alamo?
 
There are places around the world that become part of the cultural zeitgeist. You hear the name and instantly understand its importance. The Alamo is one of those places.
 
We reveal why - why the Alamo, over and over and over through the centuries, found itself in the crossroads of history. Featuring the Alamo's Senior Curator, Historian & Lecturer Ernesto Rodriguez.

Plan your visit: https://www.thealamo.org/plan-your-visit/
Join Friends of the Alamo: https://www.thealamo.org/membership

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 77: Inside The Archaeology Lab
 
The largest continuous archaeological excavation on Alamo grounds is now complete. For the past year and a half, our archaeology team has combed the earth outside the Long Barrack and discovered around 250,000 artifacts.
 
We reveal what’s now happening inside the archaeology lab, the rare finds giving us a fresh glimpse at frontier life, and a sneak peek at the upcoming work to find even more unearthed history on Alamo grounds. Featuring the Alamo's Director of Archaeology Dr. Tiffany Lindley and Alamo Staff Archaeologist and Material Culture Specialist Kat Jenkins.

Follow the Alamo's archaeology updates: https://www.thealamo.org/support/preservation/updates
Watch how artifacts are cleaned inside the archaeology lab: https://youtu.be/V-ljUPAbGAA?si=-lVnVLnutHCkxBC1

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 76: The Goliad Massacre
 
Three weeks after the stunning defeat at the Alamo, the Texas revolutionaries suffered another gut-wrenching loss. On this day 189 years ago – March 27, 1836 – hundreds of Texas soldiers were executed, in what would become known as the Goliad Massacre.
 
We reveal the unease Mexican leaders felt before carrying out Santa Anna’s execution orders, the heartbreaking hope the Texans felt right up until their deaths, and how “Remember Goliad” became forever linked to the battle cry, “Remember The Alamo.” Featuring Presidio la Bahía director and historian Scott McMahon.

Visit Presidio la Bahía: https://thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/presidio-la-bahia

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