It Happened in Texas

It Happened In...

by James A. Crutchfield

Written in a lively, easy-to-read style, this book features approximately 30 stories written for history buffs of all ages.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference

136 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2015

About the author

James A. Crutchfield is the author of many books on United States history, including Tragedy at Taos: the Revolt of 1847, Eyewitness to American History, and Legends of the Wild West. His contributions to a variety of newspapers and nationally distributed magazines and journals number in the hundreds. He has been awarded the Spur Award from Western Writers of America and is a two-time award recipient from the American Association for State and Local History.

A native-born Tennessean whose direct ancestors were among the first settlers of Nashville in the 1780s, he has most often turned his probing eye toward their stories. But his writing career has spanned the entire continent, from the days of George Washington and the American fur trade to the Army of the West and the histories of such Western states as Montana, New Mexico and Arizona as part of his It Happened in… book series.

Reviews

[booklady]

Thirty-three little-known events which happened in Texas and together helped to form the history of the state. Of course, everyone knows about the Alamo and the assassination of President Kennedy, but I was excited to recognize several other episodes: 1) Cabeza de Vaca's trek in 1534; 2) the Court- Martial of Henry Flipper in 1881; 3) the Galveston Hurricane of 1900; 4) the story of Quanah Parker and 5) the end of Bonnie and Clyde, which probably everyone knows about but not necessarily 'where' it occurred. As journalists can tell you, 'where' of things is as critical as the 'who' 'what' 'why' and 'how'.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Discovered this author in a Tennessee Trivial book, so being a native Tennessean, I had to read a book written by him. It was short stories based on Texas historical events and people. Actually learned a few things!

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a quick and painless introduction to or good review of events in Texas' history. Other books give better detail and more continuity, but this is well written and engaging and worth the read.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a solid book for someone who knows nothing about Texas history. I like how it was short stories and how every story seemed to start with how the weather was at that time.i loved the map at the beginning. I just wish there were connections between each story or it was about stories in a section of texas.

[Mishel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good rendition of historical Texas, not my typical genre. I enjoy historical fiction, this book was an easy read to the point & short chapters. Take away as someone who is. Texas transplant of 14yrs...much richer diverse history than I was aware. Bonus facts in the back of the book.

[Heath Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book! Several interesting and important historical events that Texas can claim home to. Some stories are very powerful, and some just make one have a little smile. Either way, a couple hours of your time to digest these facts is definitely worth it.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an interesting series of vignettes about people, places, and happenings in Texas down through history. Some of the stories I was familiar with and others I had never heard. But all were well written and held my interest. I enjoyed the book very much.

[J Chad · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s difficult to understand how a collection of such unique and historically important stories could be made so boring.
If this book were food, it would be mashed potatoes without milk or butter or cheese or even salt.

[Joe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

[Melanie Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved these short stories from Texas history.

[Bobby H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

[Partridge Public]

Graham, Darlene

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Texas history written by a Texan. Gives a cursory history of Texas but is easy to read and is suitable for the youth.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

bought it on a trip ti texas

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains about 30 various, short stories of things that happened in Texas.