episode summary

Texas has long been a place of contentious borders and cross-cultural exchange. Six national flags have flown over Texas since the 1500s, starting with European contests for the land that followed 10,000 years of Native American history there. From Spanish missions, to a French shipwreck, to a former sugarcane plantation, we visit to ask: How did Texas become Texas?

sites visited (in order of appearance on-screen)

  • Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, Austin, TX

  • Mission San José, San Antonio, TX

  • Mission San Juan, San Antonio, TX

  • Varner-Hogg Plantation, West Columbia, TX

  • The Alamo, San Antonio, TX

TEACH THIS EPISODE

Calling all teachers! Thanks to the pathbreaking work of New American History, you can now teach this episode. Click here to access free learning resources →