Charles Goodnight: Father of the Texas Panhandle

Oklahoma Western Biographies #21

by William T. Hagan

Charles Goodnight was a pioneer of the early range cattle industry--an opinionated and profane but energetic and well-liked rancher. Goodnight's story is now re-examined by William T. Hagan in this brief, authoritative account that considers the role of ranching in general--and Goodnight in particular--in the development of the Texas Panhandle. The first major reassessment of his life in seventy years, Charles Father of the Texas Panhandle traces its subject's life from hardscrabble farmer to cattle baron, giving close attention to lesser-known aspects of his last thirty years. As entertaining as it is informative, Hagan's account takes readers back to the Palo Duro Canyon and the Staked Plains to share insights into the cattleman's life--riding the range, fighting grass fires, driving cattle to the nearest railhead--the very stuff of cowboy legend and lore. This fascinating biography enriches our understanding of a Texas icon.

Genres: Biography, History, Westerns, Nonfiction

147 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Courtney Harp · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short biography about Charles Goodnight. I wanted to learn more about Charles Goodnight because my husband's side of the family is related to him, and Goodnight is mentioned in the novel Lonesome Dove which I recently read. This book is not necessarily an exciting read, but it served its purpose of gaining information and had quite a few interesting facts that were new to me. I enjoyed reading about some of the similarities of Charles Goodnight and the fictional character W.F. Call from Lonesome Dove. I also learned about the Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site which may require a visit from our family in the future!

[Bill Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by Hagans intro in which he states that as a retiree he wished to write more on Goodnights last 30 years. Because of his longevity he was able to be one of the last living participants of this history. The last to die usually writes the history but in Goodnights case he really is the history. This is a good book short but to the point about a multifaceted and interesting man. I might read Haley,s book later but Hagans was well done and answered many of my questions for now.
Good job
Bill Pace

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a long book, fast readers can read it in a day or over a weekend. I kind of dragged through it, to be honest, though I looked forward to read it and am glad I did. Learned much despite it being so condensed. Hagan quickly spans Colonel Goodnight's life and suggests Haley's Cowman and Plainsman and Hamner's No-Gun Man of Texas for more of Goodnight's colorful life and personality. So, adding these to my to read list.

[Daniel Talley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since going to the Palo Duro, was very interested in knowing the history and perspective from the man who started it all in ranching there. Fascinating read with the history and explanation of how the plains were developed.

[Michele Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative book about the early ranches of the Palo Dura Canyon and Panhandle region with emphasis on the Goodnight legacy.

For Yellowstone fans, I think Taylor Sheridan may have used parts of Charles Goodnight's personal characteristics for John Dutton.

[Lucas Schmidt]

Short and interesting book about Charles Goodnight and his long and varied life.

[Melissa Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really entertaining short biography of Charles Goodnight. Might be all you ever wanted to know or it could make you want to learn more about cattle drives and the big Panhandle ranches.

[Jorden Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While it may not be the most interesting read, it does exactly what it was written to do. Hagan does a perfect job of displaying and retelling the life of Charles Goodnight in his entirety. If you are interested in the Texas Panhandle and the surrounding area, then I would definitely suggest this book.

[Nancy Cook-senn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meticulous account of a colorful character -- tall and intimidating, gruff and profane, almost scholarly in his observations of the natural world around him and enterprising in his use of that knowledge-- as well as a history of the Texas Panhandle and the cattle industry in the last half of the nineteenth century.
(...(H)e found that the Panhandle offered enough for a full life. His tolerance, however, did not extend beyond state lines. He had a poor opinion of Oklahomans, a feeling shared by those occupants of the Panhandle today who hold that making jokes at the expense of the rest of Texas is unnecessary as long as Oklahoma is handy."