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Immagini d'America: Texas

Questa serie offre un viaggio avvincente attraverso la storia del Texas, portato in vita da una ricca collezione di fotografie d'epoca. Ogni volume approfondisce le culture, le tradizioni e i monumenti unici che definiscono il 'Lone Star State'. Dai vivaci centri cittadini ai paesaggi naturali iconici ed eventi storici significativi, queste immagini catturano lo spirito in evoluzione del Texas. È un'esplorazione visiva che celebra il patrimonio diversificato e l'eredità duratura di questa iconica regione americana.

Calhoun County
Plano's Historic Cemeteries
Austin's Montopolis Neighborhood
Kyle
Carthage
Fort Worth's Oakhurst Neighborhood

Ordine di lettura consigliato

  • In 1924, civic leader and developer John P. King promoted Fort Worth's Oakhurst neighborhood as "country life for the city man." He appealed to those who wanted space for artesian water, cool breezes, gardens in a hillside setting, and a utopian atmosphere for their children. King--the creator of a confectionery company known for "King's candies for American queens"--made a park-like neighborhood in a part of Riverside just a few miles from downtown Fort Worth. Thoughtful landscape design and charming architecture are hallmarks of this all-American neighborhood, beloved for its small-town, community feel well into its 90th year.

    Fort Worth's Oakhurst Neighborhood
  • Carthage

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    Carthage, Texas, founded in a pine forest, embodies the spirit of small-town America with a rich history spanning over 150 years. While it may not be a bustling metropolis, the town has been home to notable figures, including decorated war heroes and famous country music stars like Tex Ritter and Jim Reeves. It also boasts a significant cultural legacy, highlighted by the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. Beyond its celebrities, Carthage has fostered a community of dedicated and patriotic individuals, contributing to both local and national history.

    Carthage
  • Kyle

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    Kyle, Texas, was founded in 1880 when settlers from the nearby established communities of Blanco and Mountain City purchased lots in the 200-acre township deeded to the International-Great Northern Railroad by David E. Moore and Fergus Kyle, who gave his name to the new city. Beneath a live oak tree, which still stands, lots for both businesses and residences that had been laid out by surveyor Martin Groos were sold at auction in October 1880. Within two years, the town had 500 residents, although it would not be incorporated until 1928. Around the time Kyle was founded, Col. R.J. Sledge brought German workers to his Pecan Springs Valley plantation east of Kyle, generating new customers for his mercantile store in town. Kyle has been the home of some famous people, including author Katherine Anne Porter, Boston Red Sox pitcher Tex Hughson, Rhodes Scholar Terrell Sledge, and Dean Edwin J. Kyle, namesake of Kyle Field at Texas A&M University.

    Kyle
  • Montopolis is a multiethnic neighborhood located approximately four miles southeast of downtown Austin. The area was long visited and occasionally occupied by various Texas Indian nations; the first documented European or American to settle here was Jessie C. Tannehill, who in 1830 built a cabin and townsite and gave the new community its pretentious name. Instead of establishing a permanent presence in Montopolis, however, subsequent European colonizers looked a few miles upriver to the new settlement of Waterloo, later to be called Austin. Rural and sparsely populated, the remainder of the 19th century saw the Montopolis area used primarily for plantation agriculture. In the 1920s, succeeding waves of Mexican migrants helped establish the modern neighborhood that exists today. Between the 1950s and 1970s, the City of Austin annexed Montopolis, although the area retains much of its rural character.

    Austin's Montopolis Neighborhood
  • The Plano of today would not be recognizable to the pioneers who settled this section of the blackland prairie. Arriving in the early 1840s, these colonists from Tennessee and Kentucky were captivated by Sam Houston's stump speeches about the rich, fertile farmland of North Texas. All of their frontier cemeteries, large and small, are now surrounded by golf courses, subdivisions, and commercial development. The final resting places of Plano's pioneers still exist because of the hard work of cemetery associations, civic groups, concerned citizens, the City of Plano Parks Department, and the Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation. These silent spaces hold a wealth of history that helps tell the story of Plano's beginnings as a rural farming community.

    Plano's Historic Cemeteries
  • Calhoun County

    • 130pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    Calhoun County is a regional playground along the mid-Texas coast. Located where US Highway 87 begins and the Guadalupe River ends, the county was organized in 1846. Bordered by inland bays and the Gulf of Mexico, the area boasts of more than 560 miles of coastline, making it a hot spot for tourists and boaters. Easy access to the Gulf via the Port O'Connor jetties makes this one of the most popular fishing resorts on the entire Texas coast. With the abundance of water, coastal prairies, and marshes, Calhoun County is also favorite place for birders and photographers and is home to more than 400 species of birds and eight birding sites along the Texas Birding Trail. The county's visitor-friendly population of 21,000 even doubles on some weekends, such as the Fourth of July.

    Calhoun County
  • Garland

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    Garland began as an amalgamation of a number of rural communities in northeastern Dallas County. A compromise solution to the rivalry of two railroad towns, Duck Creek and Embree, it is now the 12th largest city in Texas and the 87th most populous city in the United States. Evolving from its origins as a farming community, by the 1950s, Garland had become an industrious suburb of the Dallas metro area. The can-do spirit of the community has enabled its stalwart pioneer settlers to overcome natural disasters and make necessary improvements that contributed to its growth and position in the county. Surrounded by interstates, toll roads, and connecting rail lines, Garland links the Dallas Metro with Northeast Texas. Its future continues to diversify and adapt to the growing environments of Texas.

    Garland
  • For more than 100 years, White Rock Lake has been the people's playground. The types of lake activities popular here have changed through the decades as Dallas has grown from a small country town to a large metropolitan city. The lake first known for hunting and fishing is now an urban oasis enjoyed by well over two million visitors a year. Images of America: White Rock Lake Revisited focuses on the people and activities of the lake and expands on the previously published Images of America: White Rock Lake.

    White Rock Lake Revisited
  • El Paso's African American community can trace its origins back to the 16th century, when the black Moor known as Esteban roamed the southwest and, more significantly, those Africans in the party of conquistador Juan de Oñate crossed the Rio Grande in 1598. The modern El Paso African American community began to take shape in the 1880s, as the railroad industry, military establishment, and agricultural community all had black Americans in their ranks. Black leaders and their followers established a school and founded several significant black churches. Texas's first state branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is recorded to have been formed in El Paso; the first major court cases that challenged the all-white Democratic primary came from this city; the Texas Western College basketball team won the NCAA championship in 1966 with five starting black players; and today, the city is inhabited by black military retirees, entrepreneurs, educators, and other professionals (each with vibrant and socially conscious organizations), making it a progressive model of community development.

    African Americans in El Paso
  • Slaton

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    Slaton, Texas, has a very rich and interesting history. The journey began in 1911 with the clickety-clack of the railroad track of the Santa Fe Railroad. Slaton was named after local rancher and banker O.L. Slaton on May 11, 1911. It was nicknamed "Tent City" in the beginning, because the first citizens lived in tents while construction began on small framed houses and buildings. June 15, 1911, was the official opening day of the city as people came by train, wagon, and on foot. Soon, the Harvey House restaurant was established, giving not only delicious cuisine but also meals served by attentive and attractive women who became known as the Harvey girls. Slaton became the center of the largest division in the Santa Fe system, servicing four daily northbound and southbound trains between Amarillo and Sweetwater. Today, you still hear the lonesome sound of the Santa Fe rolling through town, and the Harvey House is still open to the public. Slaton is a small West Texas community of approximately 6,129 citizens and is located 15 miles southeast of Lubbock.

    Slaton
  • Goliad

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    The historical significance of Goliad is highlighted by its pivotal role in the Texas Revolution, particularly through the rallying cry "Remember Goliad!" The town is renowned for its contributions to the Texas cattle industry, stemming from cattle raised at nearby missions. Following the revolution, Goliad evolved into a thriving ranching community, preserving its Spanish colonial and revolutionary heritage. Its rich history and well-preserved sites make Goliad a beloved destination for visitors interested in Texas history.

    Goliad
  • Early Beaumont

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    Beaumont was born when the thickly wooded banks of the Neches River were settled in the 1820s. Businessmen and adventurers stayed in the area once they saw the advantages of the river and the region's abundance of timber and other agricultural resources. By 1880, Beaumont was a lumber, ranching, farming, and shipping center. The railroad spurred population growth from 2,500 to 5,000, then Providence intervened: the Lucas Gusher at Spindletop blew in on January 10, 1901, and suddenly more oil than had ever been seen ushered in a new world. The Rockefeller Standard Oil monopoly may have ended in the courts, but Spindletop's oil dwarfed the known world supply, creating companies like Humble Oil (now ExxonMobil), Gulf, and Texaco. Beaumont continued to grow, and with a second boom in 1925, flowing oil brought more people and the building of a gracious city.

    Early Beaumont
  • Mesquite

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    The story of Mesquite, Texas, is a story of an east Dallas County settlement that became first a depot town on the Texas & Pacific Railroad, then a "Boomtown USA" suburban city. Recently, and not alone among other aging American Southwest suburbs, it has become an urban center facing cultural, social, and educational challenges, as well as economic decline.

    Mesquite
  • The evolution of the Houston Police Force reflects the city's transformation from a frontier community to a major urban center. Initially characterized by informal trials and swift justice, the department adapted to a growing population and changing societal norms. Notably, Houston became known as "Space City" with its connection to the moon landing. The police department navigated challenges such as mayoral appointments and civil rights movements, culminating in the historic appointment of Lee Brown as the first African American police chief of a major U.S. city in 1982.

    Houston Police Department
  • Texas dance halls are iconic structures that have played a prominent role in the state's culture from its earliest stages. They became central institutions in the earliest European settlements and provided these immigrant communities with a common, central space in which to build new ways of life in a new land. The settlement patterns of the mostly German, Czech, Polish, and other central European migrants of this period gave East Central Texas the state's greatest concentration of dance halls. Thousands of these halls were built throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, but at present, their numbers have dwindled considerably, and many are at risk.

    Historic Dance Halls of East Central Texas
  • The Colorado River, running through Austin, Texas, and the area now referred to as Lake Travis, has always been a beautiful place to live. The early settlers found it suitable for farming and ranching--until it rained. The rain soaked up soil, and water upstream often engorged the land and washed out everything in its path. Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal created agencies that constructed hydroelectric dams for the Tennessee Valley Authority, and those were used as blueprints for the Lower Colorado River Authority. The ground-breaking for the Mansfield Dam took place on February 19, 1937, and the dam was completed in 1942, providing power and flood control for the area. The dam created Lake Travis and brought about a new recreational industry. Boat docks, lodges, and parks sprang up along the newly created lake, and they are still enjoyed today.

    Lake Travis's South Shore
  • Colleyville

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    Ranked by multiple magazines, including Money and D Magazine, as one of the "Best Places to Live" in the United States, it is easy to forget where Colleyville came from. A rural farming outpost that started out as six different "parent communities," residents eventually banded together and incorporated to become Colleyville in 1956. While Colleyville is named for Dr. Lilburn Howard Colley, entire generations of Colleyville citizens have displayed his spirit of hard work, determination, and caring for this city. From a few clusters of pioneering families to a close-knit community known for its dairy farms and horse racing track to becoming one of the nation's premier cities, Colleyville's population has grown from about 1,500 in 1960 to more than 24,000 today.

    Colleyville
  • For the past 40 years, the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE) has been on the forefront of advocacy to improve opportunity in higher education for US persons of Mexican origin. This volume in the ongoing Images of America series chronicles the history of this unique organization

    The Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education
  • Medina County was founded in 1848 by settlers from Europe and the eastern United States. At the time, Native Americans still lived on that land, which they called "Comancheria." Full of hope for a better life, settlers tamed an unfamiliar landscape that was filled with prickly pear cactus, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, bison, armadillos, pecans, persimmons, and mustang grapes. The first settlements in Medina County were Castroville, Quihi, Vandenburg, and D'Hanis. New Fountain, New D'Hanis, LaCoste, Rio Medina, Hondo, and others were established later. The settlers worked hard growing cotton and grain and raising cattle, and they retained their old-world customs and religious faith in the face of many challenges. With the building of the Medina Dam, farming changed for the better, and new immigrants arrived to help establish schools and communities. Today the proximity to San Antonio allows people to work in the city while maintaining their homes, farms, and ranches in Medina County.

    Medina County
  • San Antonio, Texas, has been called "Military City USA" for many years. It earned this sobriquet not only by virtue of its major military installations but also because of its close and cordial relationship with the US Armed Forces. But in 1916, the year before America entered the Great War, all of that was still in the future. Fort Sam Houston was the largest US Army post in the country, but its attention was focused on the border with Mexico. This changed on April 6, 1917, as the United States needed to quickly raise an expeditionary army of three million men with its attendant air service and send it overseas. This volume portrays the growth of military facilities and infrastructure in San Antonio during World War I that started the Alamo City on the road to becoming "Military City USA."

    San Antonio in the Great War
  • San Marcos, Texas, permanently settled in 1846, was founded by former members of John C. Hays's company of Texas Rangers. The town was designated the county seat of Hays County by the Texas legislature in 1848 and was formally laid out in 1851. A center for local commerce associated with cattle and cotton production, San Marcos became an educational center with the chartering in 1899 and subsequent opening in 1903 of the Southwest Texas State Normal School. The normal school is now Texas State University, the fourth largest university in Texas with more than 36,000 students. This volume tells the story of a formerly sleepy college town on the edge of the Texas Hill Country that has become the fastest-growing city in the United States.

    San Marcos
  • Houston's firefighting service began in 1838 with the founding of Protection Fire Company No. 1. As the city of Houston grew throughout the early and mid-19th century, volunteer companies formed and grew along with it. By 1895, city leaders decided to form the Houston Fire Department as a city department, culling the volunteer forces for men, stations, apparatus, and horses. The city grew in leaps and bounds, swallowing up neighborhoods, communities, and smaller cities along the way, with the fire department nipping at their heels. This brave force battled devastating fires throughout the years, most notably the Great Fifth Ward Fire in 1912, the 1943 Gulf Hotel Fire, the Woodway Square Apartment Conflagration in 1979 and the Southwest Inn Fire in 2013. What was once a smattering of volunteer fire brigades has grown into an imposing force of over 3,000 firefighters protecting over two million people in the fourth largest city in the United States.

    Houston Fire Department
  • The Royal Road of the Tejas Indians, El Camino Real de los Tejas, was born hundreds of years ago when the Native Americans followed routes used by buffalo and other animals, realizing that these early creatures knew the best paths to take. Also known as Kings Highway, it later became a major thoroughfare used by travelers from the East coming to Louisiana, Texas, and Mexico. In 2004, El Camino Real de los Tejas took on new meaning when the historical road was designated as the 19th National Historic Trail in the United States. Development is guided by El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association housed in Austin, Texas.

    El Camino Real de Los Tejas
  • Around Clear Lake

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    With the coming of the Manned Spacecraft Center in the early 1960s, the Clear Lake Area became the center for cutting-edge technology and space travel. Soon to follow were numerous aerospace contracting firms and other high-tech enterprises, giving the area one of the highest concentrations of aerospace expertise in the nation. Nine distinct cities make up what is referred to as the "Clear Lake Area." From east to west along the north shore are Seabrook, El Lago, Taylor Lake Village, Nassau Bay, Houston, and Webster. From west to east on the south shore are League City, Clear Lake Shores, and Kemah. The lake feeds into Galveston Bay, creating a waterfront lifestyle with the third largest boating community in the United States.

    Around Clear Lake
  • The Bolivar Peninsula is a quirky coastal community consisting of Port Bolivar, Crystal Beach, Caplen, Gilchrist, and High Island. "The peninsula," as locals call it, is a 27-mile-long barrier formation. Bounded on one side by the Gulf of Mexico and on the other by the Intracoastal Waterway, it is a short ferry ride from Galveston, Texas. The history of the peninsula includes filibusterers, pirates, fierce natives, and headstrong settlers. A spirit of independence survives to this day, providing a continuation of the story of this unique landmass and its people. An unlikely conglomeration of cowboys and farmers, third- and fourth-generation landowners, retired executives and professors, fishermen, shrimpers, and birding enthusiasts comes together with weekenders and tourists to enjoy the beauty and bounty of the Gulf Coast. Its beautiful setting and wild, storied past make the Bolivar Peninsula a fascinating place to explore.

    The Bolivar Peninsula
  • Waco

    • 98pagine
    • 4 ore di lettura

    Beginning with a catastrophic tornado in 1953 that devastated Waco, the narrative explores the city's journey of renewal and transformation. The disaster led to ambitious urban redevelopment and suburban expansion, while Baylor University's rise in prominence played a crucial role in maintaining the city's visibility. The book features images that capture significant milestones and personal memories, celebrating the achievements of a city with a rich history dating back to the 1840s.

    Waco
  • In 1890, Dallas was a frontier town with medical care delivered by doctors on horseback. The poorly funded city hospitals were ill equipped and had no real medication or nurses. It is difficult to look back on history and define the moment when modern medicine began, but for Dallas, that moment was in 1894 with the building of Parkland Hospital. As Dallas grew and felt the pain of the polio epidemic, world wars, and the Kennedy assassination, Parkland Hospital was there. This is the story of Parkland Hospital and its 120-year journey from frontier medicine to becoming one of the world's premier medical centers.

    Parkland Hospital
  • The Battleship Texas

    • 130pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    Focusing on the USS Texas, this book chronicles its journey from being the world's most powerful battleship at its commissioning in 1914 to its significant role in both World Wars. After serving in the US Navy, it became a museum ship and war memorial in 1948, now facing the challenges of preservation against time. The narrative highlights its historical significance and the captivating stories that have emerged from its storied past, reflecting on its enduring legacy.

    The Battleship Texas
  • Originally named Walnut Springs in 1838, Seguin was renamed one year later after Mexican Texas Revolution hero Juan N. Seguin, who fought at the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. The town of Seguin and the surrounding area have always been a crossroads for commerce--from the southeast Gulf Coast region throughout the rest of the state. Seguin's Texas Rangers initially provided security for frontier settlers, and many of the area's residents served in the U.S. military. From Austin to the U.S. Congress, Seguin's citizens have also served their country as representatives, state senators, and as governor. In the 21st century, Seguin continues to redefine itself as a leading business and manufacturing community while still retaining its agricultural roots. Seguin and Guadalupe County's achievements in education have been recognized at the national level for Texas Lutheran University, and by the state for its public school system. Longtime residents of Seguin and Guadalupe County remember their heritage with pride as they welcome newcomers to the area.

    Seguin and Guadalupe County
  • Marble Falls

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    The waterfalls that gave Marble Falls its name have been covered by Lake Marble Falls since 1951, when a series of dams was completed on the Colorado River to prevent flooding along the river. The possibilities offered by water power at the falls and mining at nearby Granite Mountain encouraged Gen. Adam R. Johnson and his partners to lay out the town of Marble Falls in 1887. In modern times, when the Lower Colorado River Authority lowers the level of the lake, waterfront owners can repair boat docks and guests at nearby hotels and restaurants can see portions of the ancient rocky ledges. Today's Marble Falls, with a population of over 6,000, provides services for the more than 30,000 area residents of surrounding recreation and retirement communities.

    Marble Falls
  • The Society for the Protection of German Immigrants was formed in Germany in 1842 by a group of German noblemen with both philanthropic and commercial goals for a settlement in Texas. Over 5,200 German immigrants arrived on the Texas coast between October 1845 and April 1846. Lack of adequate funding and planning, as well as the continued war between Texas and Mexico, left many immigrants stranded at Indianola without sufficient food, water, shelter, or transportation inland. Hundreds perished on the Texas coast, on the journey inland, and in cholera epidemics. Traveling by wagon, cart, and on foot, leaving behind much of what they had brought from their homeland, thousands made their way toward the land that was to be their new home. Through the courage, tenacity, and diligence of the German pioneers who survived, "Friedrichsburg" was founded. Today, Fredericksburg, the county seat, continues in the cooperative spirit of these determined German pioneers, honoring their traditions, heritage, and culture.

    Gillespie County
  • Taylor

    • 130pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    El Camino Real de los Tejas, a National Historic Trail, connected the Rio Grande to the Red River Valley through the middle of Taylor on Highway 95. Moses Austin used this trail to establish a colony in Spanish Texas, and he was followed by Kit Carson, Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, Sam Houston, Santa Anna, and many more. The Spanish and the French were the groups who marked the trail. Today, Taylor is restoring historical sites and preserving local history by encouraging quality growth as it protects the unique features of the community that make it an outstanding place to live, work, shop, and play. Over the years, Taylor has continued to prosper and grow, making the town truly blessed with people that made its history and await many future opportunities.

    Taylor
  • The Nueces River runs west to east across La Salle County, and at one time it served as the boundary between Texas and Mexico. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, ceded the Nueces Strip to Texas. La Salle County was formed out of some of this land in 1858. Early settlers struggled to survive in the wild terrain amid fears of attacks from outlaws and natives. From the Indian Raid of 1878 and the assassination of a sheriff, to droughts and dust storms, the hardy people of La Salle County persevered. After an election in 1883, Cotulla was selected as the permanent county seat, a courthouse was erected, and churches and schools were built. The lawlessness of the past is gone, but the county's residents share the perseverance of those early pioneers.

    La Salle County
  • Heath

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    When John O. Heath first settled in the area now known as Heath in 1848, wild turkey and deer were as plentiful as the area's timber and rich, black soil. The fertile land and convenient location along the east fork of the Trinity River prompted several settlers to follow the Heath family's lead, and Heath experienced steady growth in the early 1900s, with several businesses and schools in operation. Life was hard in those days, with food and money hard to come by, but locals found sanctuary in social gatherings, endless games of 42, mink hunting in the winter, and baseball. Heath's economy was given a big lift when the lake adjacent to the community, known as Lake Ray Hubbard, was filled in 1969 after a seemingly endless rain. With the attraction of the lake and developments that stemmed from it, such as the Rush Creek Yacht Club, Heath now faces the challenge of maintaining steady growth while continuing to stick to its roots as a charming, tight-knit community with an open countryside atmosphere.

    Heath
  • Dallas was the show business capital of Texas and much of the South throughout the 20th century. More than 100 theatres served the city's neighborhoods, and Elm Street once boasted more than 15 vaudeville and movie theatres--second in number to Broadway. The quality of the show houses in Dallas were surpassed by few cities and all major, and most minor, Hollywood studios maintained Dallas offices. Notable names figuring in this history include Margo Jones, "Blind" Lemon Jefferson, Karl Hoblitzelle, Baruch Lumet, Bob Hope, Greer Garson, Linda Darnell, Howard Hughes, Clyde Barrow, Gene Autry, Oliver Stone, Pappy Dolson, Jack Ruby, Lee Harvey Oswald, Nicola Rescigno, Don Henley, and Frank Lloyd Wright.

    Historic Dallas Theatres
  • The history of flight for the US Army Air Corps became increasingly important during World War I. Wichita Falls, Texas, was determined to be a fair weather flying location for training cadets to become aviators. Wichita Falls was the gracious host not only for World War I pilots training at Call Field, located near the city, but when World War II came along, the city also hosted the opening of Sheppard Field, adjacent to the municipal airport. Thousands of personnel were trained there during World War II, and later, the field was redesigned as Sheppard Air Force Base. The base has been a hub for pilot training as well as technical training for many Air Force specialties. Wichita Falls, therefore, has a rich history as a host for decades of military training. Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, has trained hundreds of thousands of military men and women from within the United States, as well as thousands of men and women from allied countries around the globe. Sheppard Air Force Base became the largest training base in the Air Force and continues actively today with its primary mission of training military personnel.

    Sheppard Air Force Base
  • Salado

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    Salado, a small village in Central Texas, enjoys a classic history. One of the first colleges in the state of Texas was founded at Salado. One of the village's first homes was a 22-room Classic Revival plantation house, which still sits today in the midst of a ranch covering several thousand acres. Other stately homes soon followed, many of them bearing historical markers today. Herds of cattle followed the Chisholm Trail across the spring-fed waters of Salado Creek. Dusty cowhands rested and ate their fill at the old Shady Villa Hotel. The stage stops at the hotel always brought excitement and, occasionally, renowned visitors such as Stephen F. Austin, Gen. Sam Houston, and Gen. Robert E. Lee.

    Salado
  • In the late 19th century, Fort Worth's Quality Hill succeeded Samuels Avenue as the city's prestigious residential neighborhood. Cattle barons, bankers, attorneys, and business entrepreneurs selected this west-side locale to construct exquisite homes that reflected their wealth and prominence in the community. Bounded by Seventh Street on the north, Pennsylvania Avenue on the south, Henderson Street on the east, and the Trinity River on the west, the area had an unequaled civility. Quality Hill set the standard for fine living, elaborate entertaining, and philanthropy. Just a handful of these gracious homes have survived the years. Fort Worth's Quality Hill offers you an opportunity to explore this historic neighborhood in its finest and waning days.

    Fort Worth's Quality Hill
  • Set against the backdrop of World War II, the narrative details the establishment of one of the largest military bases, Camp Hood, in Killeen, Texas. Announced in January 1942 and officially opened in September of the same year, the camp rapidly expanded in response to the war effort. It highlights the formation of anti-tank combat teams, inspired by the black panther emblem, designed to counter the powerful German panzer divisions. The book captures the urgency and determination of military training during a pivotal moment in history.

    Fort Hood in World War II
  • Nocona

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    When a town is named for a Comanche chief, it sets a certain standard to be bold, strong, and original. Nocona, Texas, certainly lives up to these expectations. With roots firmly bound in the Western lore of the cattle drives, Nocona began as a ranching community of sturdy, tenacious men and women. Agriculture was the driving force of the economy until Herman Joseph Justin chose Nocona as the headquarters of his boot company. Justin Boots was the first in a long line of leather-related industries that were instrumental in making Nocona the "Leather Center of the Southwest." The oil boom of the 1920s and the creation of Nocona's North Field added yet another facet to an already unique history. Nocona's past is steeped in Native American culture, Western heritage, agriculture, and the oil and leather industries. Today Nocona is as vibrant and exciting as its past. The annual Old Settlers' Days celebration, the Tales 'N' Trails Museum, the charming Verandah Inn, and Daddy Sam's Saloon along with other wonderful revitalization efforts make Nocona a must-see on any tour of North Texas.

    Nocona
  • Dealey Plaza is famous for many things, both locally and nationally. Considered "the front door of Dallas," the park rests on a bluff near the Trinity River, where Dallas's founder, John Neely Bryan, identified a natural low-water crossing in 1841. This ford was the site of Bryan's cabin and was also the site of the first ferry and bridge over the Trinity River. Home to several Dallas County buildings and other historic structures, Dealey is not just the birthplace of Dallas; it is also the site of Dallas's first large-scale city planning solution, a traffic diverting triple underpass, and a beautiful downtown park built in the 1930s. The park was launched into national history when Pres. John F. Kennedy was assassinated here on November 22, 1963. Today, the site is visited by over two million annually. To preserve Dealey Plaza and its surrounding buildings, the federal government designated it a National Historic Landmark District in 1993.

    Dealey Plaza
  • Irving

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    Irving, Texas, was founded in 1903 by two eager individuals, J.O. Schulze and Otis Brown, of the Chicago, Rock Island & Gulf Railway Company. Beginning as an agrarian area of farmland, cotton, and cattle, Irving grew to include industrial facilities while persevering through the financial difficulties resulting from the Civil War and the two world wars. Irving maintained its growth when other cities in the United States could not. Schulze and Brown recognized the importance of utilizing both agricultural and industrial resources in creating and sustaining a successful city. Remnants of early communities, such as Bear Creek, Elm, Estelle, Kit, Sowers, Twin Wells, and Union Bower, can still be identified. Situated between Dallas and Fort Worth, Irving is a robust and thriving city that has greatly contributed to the creation and preservation of Texas history.

    Irving
  • A history of San Antonio is presented through the brief biographies of the deceased whose remains are interred in the cemeteries included in this book. Most prominent among these cemeteries is the Eastside Cemetery District.

    San Antonio Cemeteries Historic District
  • Camp Bowie Boulevard

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    In the early 1890s, Humphrey Barker Chamberlin installed a lifeline to his namesake suburb west of the city. A trolley connected to Arlington Heights Boulevard at the Trinity River's Clear Fork and chugged across prairie land to reach Chamberlin Arlington Heights. Camp Bowie, a soldiers' city, sprawled over both sides of the road from 1917 until 1919. At the Great War's end, the stretch west of present-day University Drive became the commemorative Camp Bowie Boulevard. The 1920s brought twin ribbons of cordovan-colored brick pavement, the prestige of inclusion in the Bankhead Highway network, and westering developers of another elite village: Ridglea. Midway through the Great Depression, the Will Rogers complex arose on a farm tract, visible from the thoroughfare, to host Texas Centennial celebrations and a special livestock exposition. Museums began claiming adjacent space in the 1950s. By the second decade of the 21st century, Camp Bowie Boulevard bisected a built environment both modern and historic.

    Camp Bowie Boulevard
  • Mercedes is located in Hidalgo County in South Texas in a geographic area called the Lower Rio Grande Valley, which is really a river delta at the mouth of the Rio Grande River first inhabited by Coahuiltecans. Spanish colonists arrived in this area in 1749 to establish ranching communities. In 1905, the American Rio Grande Land and Irrigation Company purchased land in the Llano Grande Spanish land grant, built Mercedes as a showcase headquarters, constructed the largest irrigation system then known, and proceeded to develop the area through commercialized agriculture. Home of notable author Dr. Rolando Hinojosa-Smith, G.I. Forum founder Dr. Hector P. Garcia, Olympic athlete Billy Gene Pemelton, US congressman Ruben Hinojosa, and the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, Mercedes continues to attract many visitors who seek the mild climate and warm hospitality of the town."

    Mercedes
  • Port of Houston

    • 130pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    The transformation of Houston into a major industrial hub is a compelling narrative that intertwines technology, geography, and politics. The Port of Houston, despite its challenging 50-mile access route through various waterways, has become the second-largest port in the U.S. by tonnage. Covering over 25 miles with extensive docks and facilities, its evolution from a congested river port to a thriving landlocked port reflects a unique blend of hard work, Texas pride, and serendipity as it embarks on its second century in 2014.

    Port of Houston
  • Richmond

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    In 1822, a group of Americans immigrating to Stephen F. Austin's colony stopped at a bend in the Brazos River and built a fort. Originally called "Fort Bend" and "Fort Settlement," Richmond was incorporated in May 1837. A prosperous river port, Richmond became a boomtown with the completion of the first railroad in Texas in 1855. One of the most notorious episodes in Richmond's history was the Jay Bird-Woodpecker War in 1888-1889, which led to a gun battle on the streets between the two political factions. Richmond was home to notable historical figures, including Jane Long, "Mother of Texas;" Mirabeau B. Lamar, second president of the Republic of Texas; "Deaf" Smith, Texas Revolutionary scout; Carry A. Nation, temperance activist with a penchant for smashing up saloons with a hatchet; and Hilmar Moore, longest-serving US mayor.

    Richmond
  • Lost Dallas

    • 130pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    The book delves into the transformation of Dallas from its humble beginnings in 1841 to a thriving metropolis following the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1873. It highlights the city's continuous development as a banking and commercial hub, which resulted in the loss of many historic buildings and neighborhoods. By documenting these forgotten places, the work captures the essence of Dallas's architectural heritage and the impact of urban growth on its historical landscape.

    Lost Dallas
  • When the early settlers arrived in the 1850s, the Blackland Prairie was covered with four-foot sage grass on which buffalo grazed. Land was cleared, homes were built, crops were planted in the rich fertile soil, and cattle were driven, via the Chisholm Trail, to market in Kansas. The village of Pflugerville in northeast Travis County received its name in 1893 when postal service was approved. In 1904, the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad established a depot on land donated by George Pfluger. The railroad was the economic engine that spurred the growth of the town, attracting new businesses and visitors. Diligent leaders established churches, schools, and support organizations, forming the firm foundation and core values that are still visible today. The football team received national recognition in 1962 for its 55 consecutive victories. Present visionary leaders face the challenges of another explosive boom in growth, providing support, opportunities, quality of life, and excellent education for Pflugervillians.

    Pflugerville
  • The Southern Pacific Railroad was the second transcontinental line built in America, and the first that was open year-round. Railroads of Western Texas brings to life the days of frontier towns, the open range, and the building of the state of Texas. This part of the state's railroad history includes politicians and movie stars, train wrecks and robberies, shoot-outs and gun-running. Railroads of Western Texas reveals engaging stories of San Antonio and El Paso during their boomtown years. It tells of the creation of communities out of whole cloth including Hondo, Sanderson, Marfa, and Sierra Blanca. Other towns-villages really-blossomed when the iron rails came through: Uvalde, Del Rio, Alpine, Valentine, and Judge Roy Bean's town Langtry (the man known as "The Law West of the Pecos"). The railroad featured the third highest bridge in the world (the High Bridge over the Pecos River), and the fourth largest man-made lake in the United States (Medina Lake). These rails carried men and munitions during the Spanish American War and the Punitive Expedition, and many more\ during the First and Second World Wars.

    Railroads of Western Texas: San Antonio to El Paso
  • Once touted as the "West Point of the air" in the pre-Air Force Academy years, Randolph Field/Air Force Base is famous for its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, its iconic Administration Building (nicknamed the "Taj Mahal"), and its rectangular layout. Allowed by the Army hierarchy to design its own installation from the ground up, the Army Air Corps hit a home run in design uniqueness and functionality. When the Corps of Engineers built the base, working from 1928 to 1931, it was its biggest project since the Panama Canal. Randolph has been a popular assignment location for Air Force members for over 80 years and is currently home to the 12th Flying Training Wing, the Air Education and Training Command Headquarters, and the Air Force Personnel Center. Thousands have passed through Randolph's gates as students and permanent personnel, and many have chosen to live in the San Antonio area after discharge or retirement. Carefully landscaped with trees and shrubbery from the very beginning, Randolph is the "showplace of the Air Force."

    Randolph Field
  • Sylvan Beach is synonymous with bathing beauties, moonlit pavilions, the jitterbug, the Charleston, and a train called the Moonlight Express, as well as picnics, carnivals, music, romance, love, and legend. The unlikely truth is that familiarity and age can make our most beautiful treasures banal if we do not pause to remember and observe and venerate the events and moments when we first saw, or most appreciated, a place like Sylvan Beach. For this reason, we ask you to come back with us to Sylvan Beach, where, for over 100 years, Houston and much of Texas has come to play, dance, pray, fall in love, relax, or simply swim in the bay. Today, the park and its pavilion are enjoying renewed popularity.

    Old Sylvan Beach and the Pavilions
  • In the 19th century, Galveston shores were a gateway for immigrants to Texas and destinations beyond. Slaves, the forced immigrants, were brought to Galveston as property for sale. The largest slave trade operation in Galveston was implemented by Jean Laffite, a pirate. His slave trade business began around 1818. However, for the most part, slaves entering the port of Galveston were destined for other Texas cities and other states. Images of America: African Americans of Galveston presents the community life and accomplishments of Galveston slaves, the descendants of slaves, and descendants of those who migrated to Galveston after the Civil War. The book celebrates Galveston's African American culture from the 1840s to the 1960s.

    African Americans of Galveston
  • Weatherford

    The Early Years

    • 130pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    The early years of Weatherford yield stories of trials and triumphs as a rowdy frontier town that matured and became known as the "City of Churches" and the "City Beautiful." Created in 1856 as the county seat of newly formed Parker County, Weatherford was lush with grasslands, timber, and fertile soils. In 1858, the two-story brick courthouse was surrounded by log cabins, frame buildings, and tents. For nearly two decades, the town was the principal supply center for points west and a safe haven for settlers seeking refuge from Indian raids. Stalwart men and women nurtured the development of religious, educational, and cultural refinements. But when the Texas & Pacific Railway arrived in 1880, it spurred Weatherford's stature as an agricultural, banking, and commercial center and opened national markets to local cotton and prize-winning watermelons. The historic City Beautiful is still evident today in Weatherford's picturesque courthouse square and quaint tree-lined residential districts.

    Weatherford
  • Pharr

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    The All-America City of Pharr was incorporated in 1916 and holds precedence as the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. The late Henry Newton Pharr, a sugarcane grower, engineer, and manufacturer, along with his partner John C. Kelly, founded the city for their interest in establishing a sugarcane empire. This borderland is located approximately eight miles from the mighty Rio Grande, and it prospered to become the ideal agricultural grounds that attracted star investors from as far as Louisiana. Pharr benefitted from the fruit and vegetable boom, the introduction of the railroad, great feats in civic progress, and success in international commerce. Now, Pharr is the only city in the state of Texas to be designated as a "Triple Crown City." Pharr's feats include the Preserve America City, National Main Street City, and All-America City awards.

    Pharr
  • Tioga and Collinsville

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    Two small towns in Texas, Tioga and Collinsville have a rich heritage and a mutual bond. Separated by only six miles, citizens of each have relatives in the other city. The silvery railroad tracks that stretch between the two towns have served as a liaison between Tioga and Collinsville--and the rest of the world--for many years. Both towns had train depots, but unfortunately, the depots went the way of the mineral baths and mineral waters of the past. Today, each town has its own municipal court, school district, post office, mayor, and city council. Although they are independent towns, they will forever be joined by their shared bloodlines and rich history.

    Tioga and Collinsville
  • Winnsboro

    • 128pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    The transformation of a small settlement into a vibrant town is highlighted in this account of Winnsboro, Texas. Established in 1854 and flourishing after the arrival of the railroad in 1876, it became a key shipping hub and a notable fruit producer. The town's colorful history includes ties to infamous figures Bonnie and Clyde, who vowed to spare it from their criminal activities. With a rich cultural scene featuring arts centers and live performances, Winnsboro is recognized as a State of Texas Cultural Arts District, reflecting its dynamic community spirit.

    Winnsboro
  • In 1924, Edward Lilo Crain platted Southside Place, a 329-lot subdivision on the soggy prairie just west of bustling downtown Houston. Ahead of his time, Crain combined the roles of real estate investor, developer, and builder, establishing Southside Place with prefabricated catalog homes. The neighborhood's most defining attribute, however, is the 1.5-acre park Crain created as its geographic and civic center. This thoughtful early attempt at city planning made Southside Place the first Houston subdivision to provide a swimming pool, tennis court, clubhouse, and park for the private use of residents.

    Southside Place
  • Red River County and Clarksville are actually older than the state of Texas itself. Once known as the Red River District, the area represented all or part of 39 present-day Texas counties. Some of the area's earliest Anglo settlements could be found along the Red River as early as 1816 and included Pecan Point, the Burkham Settlement, and Jonesboro, followed by the settling of Clarksville in 1833. Many of Texas's earliest pioneers passed through the county, including Sam Houston, who spent his first night in Texas in Jonesboro at James and Isabella Clark's home; and Davy Crockett, who spent time at Whiterock at John Stiles's home before he perished at the Battle of the Alamo. Today Red River County is known as the "Gateway to Texas."

    Clarksville and Red River County
  • Weatherford was settled in the 1850s, when the pioneers and Indians came for its rich soil and water sources. The mark of fame for Weatherford is the Goodnight-Loving Trail, which was driven by two cattle drivers, Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving. Charles Goodnight, who was killed in an Indian attack, is buried in Weatherford, and a historical marker is placed at his grave in the historic Greenwood Cemetery. Cotton and watermelon were the popular industries, and watermelon festivals still bring crowds to the Courthouse Square. Over 150 images highlight Weatherford's historic town square buildings, the courthouse, homes, and cemeteries. Take a journey back into the 1800s with this photographic walking tour from the Courthouse Square to far and away. These images will bring back to life how Weatherford was built, how it survived, and the pioneers who kept its rich history alive

    Weatherford: Historic Walking Tours
  • "Communities have spent more than 100 years mastering the mighty Brazos River and its waterways. In the 1800s, Stephen F. Austin chose the Brazos River as the site for the first Texas colony because of its vast water and fertile soil. Within 75 years, a pumping station would herald the way for crop management. A sugar mill that was eventually known as Imperial Sugar spurred community development. In 1903, John Miles Frost Jr. tapped the Brazos to expand the Cane and Rice Belt Irrigation System while Houston newspapers predicted the infrastructure marvel would change the region's future--and it did. Within a few decades, the Texas agricultural empire caused Louisiana to dub Texas farmers 'the sugar and rice aristocracy.' As the dawn of the industrial age began, the Brazos River and its waterways began supplying the Texas Gulf Coast industry"--Publisher description.

    Lower Brazos River Canals
  • Texas Shipwrecks

    • 130pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    The Texas coastline is a graveyard for countless shipwrecks, shaped by extreme weather and a rich history of naval warfare. From Spanish treasure fleets to humble fishing boats, the diverse vessels that have sunk in these waters tell captivating stories, whether romantic, repellent, or simply unusual. This exploration delves into the intriguing narratives behind each wreck, revealing the complex maritime history of Texas and its offshore waters.

    Texas Shipwrecks
  • Dalhart

    • 130pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    Set against the backdrop of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the story chronicles the development of Dalhart, Texas, from its origins as Twist Junction due to intersecting railroads to its establishment as a bustling commercial hub. Despite facing challenges during the Dust Bowl, the community demonstrated resilience, with families returning to rebuild. Dalhart's strategic location has allowed it to thrive as a vital transportation nexus, serving travelers across the United States through various modes of transport.

    Dalhart
  • Van Alstyne

    • 130pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    The narrative explores the rich history of a Texas town founded in 1873, highlighting its close-knit community characterized by patriotism, hard work, and progressiveness. Known for its cotton ginning industry and robust transportation network, including a long-standing interurban line, the town also boasts a legacy in baseball with the Van Alstyne Grays. Historical landmarks, such as the opera house and Victorian buildings, serve as enduring symbols of its classic American charm, reflecting a community that balances tradition with modern amenities.

    Van Alstyne
  • The narrative explores the rich history of cowboys and longhorn cattle in West Texas, detailing the influence of Spanish conquistadores and Mexican vaqueros on cattle handling techniques. Post-Civil War, the demand for beef spurred the growth of cattle drives along trails like the Chisholm Trail. The book highlights iconic ranches such as the King Ranch and the XIT, showcasing the evolution of cowboy culture through attire and skills adapted from vaquero traditions. It captures the essence of a transformative era in American ranching history.

    West Texas Cattle Kingdom
  • Route 66 in Texas

    • 130pagine
    • 5 ore di lettura

    Exploring the Texas Panhandle, Route 66 offers a rich tapestry of history and adventure, tracing paths once taken by Native Americans, conquistadors, and cowboys. Travelers will encounter vibrant sites like Shamrock's iconic U-Drop Inn and the remnants of Glenrio, alongside unique attractions such as Cadillac Ranch's quirky sculptures. The route showcases charming motels adorned with Western and Native American themes, reflecting the enduring spirit of mom-and-pop establishments amidst the haunting beauty of the Jericho Gap.

    Route 66 in Texas
  • Native American tales of the medicinal sulfur springs found in what is now Lampasas County drew settlers and, later, tourists who sought cures for various ailments throughout the 19th century. The region soon became known as the "Saratoga of the South," and when the first passenger train arrived in Lampasas in 1882, it opened a new market for the local waters. Entrepreneurial citizens capitalized on the springs, building bathhouses, opera houses, and other amenities. In 1884, the Lampasas County Courthouse was built--the third-oldest Texas courthouse still in use today. Vestiges of Lampasas's heyday are found in Hanna Springs and Hancock Park, which remains a thriving recreational area with a free-flow sulfur pool and an 18-hole golf course. Public murals, a sculpture garden, historic sites, and a proud engaged community draw people to Lampasas County today.

    Lampasas County
  • Founded 7 miles apart in south central Texas, Yorktown and Nordheim were settled by German immigrants. These immigrants found the rolling hills and grassland full of oak trees suitable for settlement, and the rich soil helped to make farming a way of life. Yorktown was settled near the Coleto Creek as a rest stop along the Indianola Trail for teamsters delivering freight to New Braunfels. Nordheim was settled because it was a high point and beacon for settlers, and it continued to grow when the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad was built. As the towns grew, so did the businesses and churches. The settlers shared a love of music, and bands came together to perform at various functions. On Saturdays the farmers, their families, and hired help would come to buy supplies, visit friends, and enjoy a day away from work. Today the spirit of community is still strong as citizens put together annual celebrations and activities that promote tourism and help to maintain local pride.

    Yorktown and Nordheim
  • The evolution of Dallas's hospitality scene reflects the city's transformation from a humble settlement to a modern metropolis. Initially featuring basic boardinghouses and unfurnished rooms, the city soon introduced its first hotel, a log cabin. As Dallas grew, it embraced elegantly appointed hotels that rivaled those in major cities. The 20th century brought further changes, with older establishments giving way to modern facilities, and the post-World War II automobile boom led to the proliferation of motels, solidifying Dallas's reputation as a hotel town catering to diverse travelers.

    Historic Dallas Hotels
  • This history of the Greeks in Houston is really the story of individuals who worked diligently to forge new lives for themselves even as they maintained their Greek identity and their Orthodox faith. The efforts of many of the founders are immortalized in the buildings that constitute the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral complex. Their names remind us of their hard work and commitment to establishing their koinonia (communion) in Houston. There are many other names that have gone unremarked over the decades but to whom we owe just as much for their tenacity and dedication. And there are the new generations who inherited this legacy and keep it vibrant through the stewardship of their faith and culture.

    Greeks in Houston
  • One-hundred-fifty miles west of Dallas, on a gently rolling prairie that was once the predatory domain of the Plains Indians, lies Shackelford County. Anglo-American settlers began arriving in the 1850s to raise livestock and cultivate crops near the Clear Fork of the Brazos River. To protect the settlers from the Indians, the US Army established Fort Griffin in 1867. In true Wild West fashion, the raucous town of Fort Griffin sprang up nearby to service the soldiers, cattle drovers, and buffalo hunters. In 1874, Albany became the county seat, and with the arrival of the Texas Central Railroad in 1881, then the oil and gas boom in 1910, both Albany and Moran flourished while Fort Griffin folded. Today, Shackelford County's economy is based on cattle ranching, farming, petroleum, and hunting. Visitors enjoy shopping Albany's beautifully restored Main Street and taking in the Old Jail Art Center, the stately limestone courthouse, the Fort Griffin State Historic Site, and the Fort Griffin Fandangle.

    Shackelford County
  • The book highlights Texas's significant role in World War II, showcasing the contributions of nearly 830,000 Texans, including 12,000 women, who served in the military. It features notable figures such as Lt. Audie Murphy and Adm. Chester Nimitz, emphasizing Texas A&M's exceptional output of officers. The state was pivotal in training 1.5 million military personnel and supplying vital resources, including oil and war machinery, which bolstered the Allied forces. The narrative underscores Texas's profound impact on the war effort both on the battlefield and at home.

    East Texas in World War II
  • Beginning in 1839 with the donation of four square blocks of land, the grouping of cemeteries on the central boulevard of Galveston has grown to include seven separate cemeteries within their gates. The stories of some of the "residents" are gathered here for you to enjoy.

    Galveston's Broadway Cemeteries
  • Manchaca, which takes its name from nearby Manchaca Springs, is nestled in the beautiful rolling hills about 10 miles south of Austin. Spanish land grants issued in the 1830s opened the land for settlement, and by the 1850s, stage stop Manchac Springs was established, bringing new settlers through the area. Many liked what they saw and settled in. The population grew in great bounds when the International & Great Northern Railroad laid track through Manchaca in 1881, which led to the building of a new school and several mercantile stores. By the turn of the century, Manchaca had grown into a bustling community.

    Manchaca