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The Evolution of a State, or, Recollections of Old Texas Days
The Evolution of a State, or, Recollections of Old Texas Days is an oft cited account of conditions in early Texas. Smithwick, a pioneer, arrived in Texas in 1827.
258 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1900
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 12, 2018
History books are dry things, like the calcified bones of a behemoth artificially wired together by a paleontologist in an empty museum. We gawk at the remains but really have only a clue what the creature actually looked like, how it lived, or what thoughts consumed it's existence. The experts surely speculate but often get it wrong. That's dead history for you.
On the other hand, living history is recent enough that many people still hold the experience in memory and can describe all the sinewy ligaments that held the beast together. They can describe in vivid detail not only it's scaly appearance but how it behaved in the wild. Such anecdotal recollections of the beginnings of Anglo Texas were captured from a sharp-minded nonagenarian by the name of Noah Smithwick in 1900. I imagine such a task seemed a silly exercise of vanity at the time. How fortunate for us they persevered.
Being a curious native of the area, I've read my Texas history. Most memorable among the pile, Lone Star by T. R. Fehrenbach. But even that eloquent doorstop - which obviously borrows from this work - is downright bony compared to Smithwick. In Evolution of a State old Noah Smithwick sharply recollects terrain, wildlife, personalities, relationships, hardships, and losses that touch the heart and paint the era with incredible detail. He was not a professional historian and I think that lends charm to the reading. Despite being easily written the book took me a while to finish because I was so consumed I spent hours looking up locations and official background on the internet to add even more to my understanding of it's pages. I agree with another reviewer that an annotated edition with some official descriptions and perhaps a photograph or two would make the book even better.
Now, as I glide along fueled by Texas hydrocarbons on the new 71 tollway between Bastrop and Austin I see a camera flash as my virtual credit card is held to account by a stream of electrons. I watch a gleaming Boeing 737 sink across my path to land gracefully at Bergstrom Airport nearby. Then I think about the original rutted black dirt road Smithwick describes as turning to "sticky candle wax" when the rains came, rescuing a milk cow from hungry wolves, or running to shelter from the vengeful Comanche attack at Hornsby's Castle nearby. How fortunate I am to experience both my time and his. This isn't just a book for me, but a national treasure.
On the other hand, living history is recent enough that many people still hold the experience in memory and can describe all the sinewy ligaments that held the beast together. They can describe in vivid detail not only it's scaly appearance but how it behaved in the wild. Such anecdotal recollections of the beginnings of Anglo Texas were captured from a sharp-minded nonagenarian by the name of Noah Smithwick in 1900. I imagine such a task seemed a silly exercise of vanity at the time. How fortunate for us they persevered.
Being a curious native of the area, I've read my Texas history. Most memorable among the pile, Lone Star by T. R. Fehrenbach. But even that eloquent doorstop - which obviously borrows from this work - is downright bony compared to Smithwick. In Evolution of a State old Noah Smithwick sharply recollects terrain, wildlife, personalities, relationships, hardships, and losses that touch the heart and paint the era with incredible detail. He was not a professional historian and I think that lends charm to the reading. Despite being easily written the book took me a while to finish because I was so consumed I spent hours looking up locations and official background on the internet to add even more to my understanding of it's pages. I agree with another reviewer that an annotated edition with some official descriptions and perhaps a photograph or two would make the book even better.
Now, as I glide along fueled by Texas hydrocarbons on the new 71 tollway between Bastrop and Austin I see a camera flash as my virtual credit card is held to account by a stream of electrons. I watch a gleaming Boeing 737 sink across my path to land gracefully at Bergstrom Airport nearby. Then I think about the original rutted black dirt road Smithwick describes as turning to "sticky candle wax" when the rains came, rescuing a milk cow from hungry wolves, or running to shelter from the vengeful Comanche attack at Hornsby's Castle nearby. How fortunate I am to experience both my time and his. This isn't just a book for me, but a national treasure.
January 31, 2017
Noah Smithwick was an old man, blind and near his ninetieth year, when his daughter recorded his words about early Texas history. Since my ancestors were a part of this history, I gained an understanding of the difficulties they faced. One of my ancestors is mentioned in the book.
June 9, 2020
This book was told by a 92 year old man to his daughter in 1899 chronicling his time in Texas from about 1820 or so until the Civil War when he left Texas due to his Unionist beliefs (he knew and fought hard for Texas to be admitted to the Union so he thought it was ridiculous that 15 years later, they would want to secede. It's interesting that the same arguments that he gives as Southerners "we're gonna whip them Northeners" attitude is mirrored exactly in Gone with the Wind!).
Now that you have that background, I can review the book.
It's circular, not linear at all. There were many times that I had no idea what year we were in (not that it mattered, ish), where Smithwick said a particular incident occurred, or who was involved in the incident. He goes from talking about his crop to some Lipan Indian encounter to his meeting Swisher (or whomever) to a funny anecdote about xyz. It's all over the place. There are some paragraphs where there are just names of people and a loose story. It's incredibly difficult to read.
Yet, there are times when there are some beautiful descriptions of the country and it's so easy to imagine the Texas that was. There were just as many funny stories and tragic ones. So many stories of faith -- coming into a territory with a promise of land, a promise that you would be able to figure out how to find your place, that things would work out for the best.
And so much violence. So much racism (which Smithwick seemed to mellow out as he got further into the story). The violence, theft, taking advantage of the weak and helpless, so much predatory behavior.
I can see how modern authors like Phillip Meyer have consulted this book or others to get an idea of the Texas back then. It's incredibly rich and unique if difficult to read. Smithwick also uses lots of language that seems to have no translation which adds to the difficulty.
If you are interested in Texas history, specifically Central Texas and Bastrop, you'll get a lot out of Smithwick's book. I know for a fact that it is consulted by the Texas Historical Association so that says something about it's importance.
Now that you have that background, I can review the book.
It's circular, not linear at all. There were many times that I had no idea what year we were in (not that it mattered, ish), where Smithwick said a particular incident occurred, or who was involved in the incident. He goes from talking about his crop to some Lipan Indian encounter to his meeting Swisher (or whomever) to a funny anecdote about xyz. It's all over the place. There are some paragraphs where there are just names of people and a loose story. It's incredibly difficult to read.
Yet, there are times when there are some beautiful descriptions of the country and it's so easy to imagine the Texas that was. There were just as many funny stories and tragic ones. So many stories of faith -- coming into a territory with a promise of land, a promise that you would be able to figure out how to find your place, that things would work out for the best.
And so much violence. So much racism (which Smithwick seemed to mellow out as he got further into the story). The violence, theft, taking advantage of the weak and helpless, so much predatory behavior.
I can see how modern authors like Phillip Meyer have consulted this book or others to get an idea of the Texas back then. It's incredibly rich and unique if difficult to read. Smithwick also uses lots of language that seems to have no translation which adds to the difficulty.
If you are interested in Texas history, specifically Central Texas and Bastrop, you'll get a lot out of Smithwick's book. I know for a fact that it is consulted by the Texas Historical Association so that says something about it's importance.
July 26, 2010
First...a little bit of disclosure here -- I'm a big history fan, with a particular interest in Texas history. Additionally, I've lived in the Austin area off and on for the past 15 years.
I'll start by saying this book is, perhaps, the most intriguing thing I have ever read. That said, prior to offering a glimpse of why the book is so tantalizing, I'll explain why I only gave it 4 stars. The book is effectively a narration...the author tends to jump from one major topic to the next in a matter of sentences. Unfortunately, I ended up yearning for more description on major topics. Furthermore, the author chooses to no divulge information on certain topics -- seemingly not wanting to bore the reader because the incidents "have been reported elsewhere." While I understand the sentiment for such comments at the time -- the book was dictated in in the 1890's and the book covers the period from the 1820's thru 1861 -- it is dissapointing to miss such details 120 years later. While it might be a monumental task, a lengthy annotated version of this text would be highly appreciated and greatly entertaining.
Given the above issues, I will briefly explain why I was so entertained by this book. Vivid imagery in describing events that I've only previously read about in history books. First person accounts of smuggling operations along the Rio Grande when Texas was still part of Mexico, the runaway scrape, living with Comanches, what Austin was like in the 1840's, cholera outbreaks, frontier weddings...what it was actually like when Bastrop, Austin, Brushy Creek & Marble Falls were literally the frontier. Reading about Texas history through this lens is fascinating.
So in sum, while the reader is occasionally left thristing for more on certain topics, the words written on the pages of this book are simply one of a kind. If you're a fan of revolutionary-era Texas or how Central Texas "was" during its formative years, this book is HIGHLY recommended.
I'll start by saying this book is, perhaps, the most intriguing thing I have ever read. That said, prior to offering a glimpse of why the book is so tantalizing, I'll explain why I only gave it 4 stars. The book is effectively a narration...the author tends to jump from one major topic to the next in a matter of sentences. Unfortunately, I ended up yearning for more description on major topics. Furthermore, the author chooses to no divulge information on certain topics -- seemingly not wanting to bore the reader because the incidents "have been reported elsewhere." While I understand the sentiment for such comments at the time -- the book was dictated in in the 1890's and the book covers the period from the 1820's thru 1861 -- it is dissapointing to miss such details 120 years later. While it might be a monumental task, a lengthy annotated version of this text would be highly appreciated and greatly entertaining.
Given the above issues, I will briefly explain why I was so entertained by this book. Vivid imagery in describing events that I've only previously read about in history books. First person accounts of smuggling operations along the Rio Grande when Texas was still part of Mexico, the runaway scrape, living with Comanches, what Austin was like in the 1840's, cholera outbreaks, frontier weddings...what it was actually like when Bastrop, Austin, Brushy Creek & Marble Falls were literally the frontier. Reading about Texas history through this lens is fascinating.
So in sum, while the reader is occasionally left thristing for more on certain topics, the words written on the pages of this book are simply one of a kind. If you're a fan of revolutionary-era Texas or how Central Texas "was" during its formative years, this book is HIGHLY recommended.
March 7, 2012
Although I gave this book 5 stars, it is not one that everyone will enjoy or even want to read unless you are interested in the history of the different states, this time being Texas. As I was born in and lived in Texas until I was 16 and being interested in history, I decided to read this to find out the early history of Texas from someone who had been there from the early days before it was a state up to the start of the civil war.
Noah Smithwick (1808-1899) at the age of 19 went to Texas. He was there when it was still part of Mexico, during the war for independence, when it became a state and left when the civil war started, going to California. His story of what life was like then, how poor most people were, what the war with Mexico was like, battles with indians and different stories about his life and different people he met and knew or heard of during that time.
Although I did not know anyone from his era, I did have relatives born in the 1880's or 90's (including one uncle who had gone down to Mexico during the revolutions in the early 1900's as a gunfighter) and told stories told to them when they were kids plus stories of their life during their early years in Texas.
As I said this is not a book for everyone but if you want to hear the real story of the frontier and or have an interest in history, you might enjoy it.
Noah Smithwick (1808-1899) at the age of 19 went to Texas. He was there when it was still part of Mexico, during the war for independence, when it became a state and left when the civil war started, going to California. His story of what life was like then, how poor most people were, what the war with Mexico was like, battles with indians and different stories about his life and different people he met and knew or heard of during that time.
Although I did not know anyone from his era, I did have relatives born in the 1880's or 90's (including one uncle who had gone down to Mexico during the revolutions in the early 1900's as a gunfighter) and told stories told to them when they were kids plus stories of their life during their early years in Texas.
As I said this is not a book for everyone but if you want to hear the real story of the frontier and or have an interest in history, you might enjoy it.
June 3, 2017
Some interesting anecdotes of the early days of Texas, covering everything from battles with Mexicans and Indians, early homeopathic doctors, duels, mining disputes, and more. It's not a particularly coherent narrative, just a collection of memories. The writing is often ridiculously florid. As an example: "being precipitated from his equine mount, his nasal appendage made contact with Mother Earth with sufficient force as to cause a copious quantity of the sanguinary fluid to be ejected therefrom."
What made this for me were the tiny details that most histories omit. For example, he talks about the problems of buckskin trousers. When they get wet, and the wearer dries them by sitting in from of the fire, they dry hard which makes it impossible to straighten your legs when you try to stand up. I've never seen that in a Western movie!
What made this for me were the tiny details that most histories omit. For example, he talks about the problems of buckskin trousers. When they get wet, and the wearer dries them by sitting in from of the fire, they dry hard which makes it impossible to straighten your legs when you try to stand up. I've never seen that in a Western movie!
April 22, 2020
Finished this on San Jacinto Day.
Just a great memoir. Smithwick moved to Texas in the 1820s and flew the coop after secession fever ramped up on the eve of the Civil War. He experienced it all. Met everyone. And provides a nice personal touch to events Texas Historians are familiar with. Written in the 1890s, Smithwick is basically on his deathbed. He takes no prisoners and reflects on the various "marks of Cain" that he is branded with for his and his fellow Texas actions during those heady times. From chasing down escaped slaves to *possibly* killing a Comanche.
But it's not all marks of Cain. In the nearly 40 years Smithwick spent here, he served many roles - several in the Central Texas region. JP, mill operator, blacksmith, smuggler, ranger, soldier in the Texas Revolution and much much more. It's a kind and humanistic book. There's adventure and genealogy. I think it may be the earliest example of 'woke' Texas history. Excellent all around.
Just a great memoir. Smithwick moved to Texas in the 1820s and flew the coop after secession fever ramped up on the eve of the Civil War. He experienced it all. Met everyone. And provides a nice personal touch to events Texas Historians are familiar with. Written in the 1890s, Smithwick is basically on his deathbed. He takes no prisoners and reflects on the various "marks of Cain" that he is branded with for his and his fellow Texas actions during those heady times. From chasing down escaped slaves to *possibly* killing a Comanche.
But it's not all marks of Cain. In the nearly 40 years Smithwick spent here, he served many roles - several in the Central Texas region. JP, mill operator, blacksmith, smuggler, ranger, soldier in the Texas Revolution and much much more. It's a kind and humanistic book. There's adventure and genealogy. I think it may be the earliest example of 'woke' Texas history. Excellent all around.
May 31, 2019
Excellent recounting of the early history of Texas, from pre-Texas Republic to pre-Civil War.
December 15, 2010
Memories of a man who lived it. Smithwick came to Texas in the 1820s and lived here through the Civil War. While here he fought Mexicans and Indians, while also befriending some of them. He fought at San Jacinto, was part of the founding of Bastrop, rode twice with the Texas Rangers, and in between it all had a family. In telling his story, Smithwick didn't worry about hurting someone's feelings or being politically correct, and he didn't try to glorify anyone - he just told it how it was. Or at least how he remembered it. Gives a real feel for what it must have been like on the wild frontier in those early days.
June 13, 2013
This book contains the recollections of an old man in his nineties. He came to Texas in 1827, when he was 19 years of age and lived there until the Civil War seemed to be on the horizon. He had lived through the many hardships that Texans had undergone in finally becoming citizens of the United States. He did not want to fight for the succession of Texas and the South, so in 1861 he made the dangerous trip away from his beloved home in Texas to Southern California.
Smithwick was an amazing man. The story of his life was the story of Texas in its early days. The details that he remembered and the anecdotes he told are fascinating; I could hardly put the book down.
Smithwick was an amazing man. The story of his life was the story of Texas in its early days. The details that he remembered and the anecdotes he told are fascinating; I could hardly put the book down.
November 23, 2015
I really enjoyed this eyewitness account of early Texas. Mr. Smithwick was a great storyteller, and he arrived in Texas soon after the Old Three Hundred. There were so few Anglo settlers that it seems he knew most of them personally, including those who are in our Texas history books: Stephen F. Austin, James Bowie, Sam Houston, William B. Travis. The hardships and challenges are all there, and they help us appreciate the accomplishments of these early Texans.
February 25, 2017
Fascinating
Very easy reading if you elect to skim names and concentrate on events. Because I grew up with television westerns this book gave credence to many of the scripts.
It was difficult for me when the author became non-contiguous with the historical events woven throughout the chapters.
Very easy reading if you elect to skim names and concentrate on events. Because I grew up with television westerns this book gave credence to many of the scripts.
It was difficult for me when the author became non-contiguous with the historical events woven throughout the chapters.
March 21, 2013
A must for Texas history buffs.
October 27, 2014
Noah Smithwick's father was one of the pioneers in the Republic of Texas. This work is his recollections or memoirs of the period. It reflects life on the frontier.
November 7, 2016
Best account I've read, by far
While not technically the best written, still the best read I've had. My thanks to the author for it, and to his daughter for sharing it.
While not technically the best written, still the best read I've had. My thanks to the author for it, and to his daughter for sharing it.
August 25, 2017
Interesting book. Paints a pretty good history of life in the frontiers in Texas up to the Civil war
October 7, 2018
A great book about the early days of Texas. I highly recommend.
December 7, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. Love history straight from the horses mouth so to speak. Worth the read to learn about early Texas, then Republic then State. He knew the major players of that era, Austin, Houston, Bowie, etc.
December 11, 2019
This is a GREAT history story, a must for anyone interested in the old west or Texas History.
March 5, 2020
Fascinating picture of early Texas history by a man who lived it. Truly a treasure.
March 22, 2020
Explains the earliest days of Texas.
February 16, 2021
Great historical information told in a compelling fashion with no interjection of ego.
February 7, 2025
AJ Very bored
Read
July 1, 2025Awesome accounts of old Texas. Bit Twain-esque, but with 10x more shaggy-dog digressions.
March 18, 2017
Fascinating glimpse of life in frontier Texas.
November 22, 2023
just awesome
A fantastical area of stories from Ol Texas. A must check out by everyone and an exquisite find in Kindle Unlimited.
A fantastical area of stories from Ol Texas. A must check out by everyone and an exquisite find in Kindle Unlimited.
November 5, 2016
Quite interesting..
October 16, 2024
Fantastic Story
I live and was raised in BASTROP County so this story was particularly interesting to me to learn more about the storied history here.
I live and was raised in BASTROP County so this story was particularly interesting to me to learn more about the storied history here.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews