Howdy folks, it’s good to talk to you again. If you’ve followed my advice, then you have already planned your trip to Fredericksburg, and by now you’re probably wanting a tip on where to eat. Well, I’ve got you covered on that as well. For breakfast and lunch, the best place in town is the Old German Bakery and Restaurant.

I’m not a tourist snob, as a matter of fact, when I travel I make a point of stopping at the cheesy “tourist” establishments. From dining destinations to souvenirs, I am an unapologetic lover of everything kitsch, but at some point on my vacation I am going to want an awesome meal. It is for that reason that I always believe in going where the locals eat, and that’s how my wife and I chose to eat at the Old German Bakery and Restaurant for the first time. It’s definitely a favorite with the locals, but if you’re going for breakfast I suggest you go early (they open at 7:00am), or plan on waiting a bit for a table, because many of the good citizens of Fredericksburg make this café their first stop before work each morning.

If you’re anything like me, then you believe every good breakfast has to start with an excellent and bottomless cup of coffee, and I promise you will not be disappointed on this score, as their coffee is strong and the wait staff make sure you never see the bottom of your cup. So, now that the most important issue has been settled, lets move on to the food.

Breakfast, as they say, is the most important meal of the day, but at the Old German Bakery and Restaurant, it is the most delicious. Their Eggs Benedict is the best I have ever tried, and I’ve had Eggs Benedict in some of the finest establishments around. For something on the sweeter side, try the German pancakes, a thin crispy cake covered with powdered sugar and drizzled with a little lemon juice.

They also provide typical breakfast fare such as; bacon, eggs, waffles, and omelets that are just as good as you’d expect from a small-town café. But wait there’s more, and I’ve said the best for last. Like the name implies, they are also a bakery, and they have the best selection of pastries, Kolaches, and fresh bread that I have ever seen in one place. For a day full of hiking, antiquing, shopping, and exploring, you need to fuel up, and you absolutely cannot go wrong by starting your day at the Old German Bakery and Restaurant.

But maybe you’re saying, “Hey, John, that sounds great, but I’m looking for a place for lunch. I want a juicy burger, or hey, I’m in Fredericksburg and I want some German food.” Well, not to fear, they’ve got you covered here, too.

Around town it is well known that they have the best burgers around, and that no brag, just fact. You will never go wrong by sampling some of the local German Fare, and the Old German Bakery and Restaurant provides a huge assortment of schnitzel, wurst, and German sides. I would suggest a leisurely stroll around town after lunch, because the portions are large and filling, and besides, it’s always good to have another excuse to enjoy beautiful downtown Fredericksburg.

The Old German Bakery and Restaurant is open daily from 7am until early afternoon. Prices for breakfast are under $10.00 a plate, and lunches are all under $15.00.

As always, I appreciate your readership and your support means more to me than you could possibly know, so get out there and enjoy all that the great state of Texas has to offer. I’ll see you down the trail.

©05/07/2017

 

In my first book, Riders of the Lone Star, one of my antagonists was a man named Juan Cortina, and while his attack on Brownsville was fictionalized in the book, it was based on a historical event. The purpose of this post is to relate the historical version of Cortina’s attack on Brownsville.

Juan Nepomuceno Cortina, was born on May 16, 1824 in Camargo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. His mother was from an aristocratic family and had inherited much land, including the land around Brownsville, in the lower Rio Grande valley, where the family lived. To some, Cortina was a protector of the Mexican people living in Texas, a folk hero who avenged the abuses heaped on poor Mexicans by the Texas authorities. To others he was nothing more than a common cattle thief and murderer. Like most historical figures, how Cortina was viewed depended very much on which side of the border one was from.

Juan Cortina distinguished himself during the Mexican War and as a hero, he developed a great following among the people. It was this status that prevented him from being imprisoned when several times after the war he was suspected of cattle theft. There seemed to be a mutual affection between Cortina and the poor Mexicans who lived along the Rio Grande, and he came to despise the political and law enforcement official in Brownsville, who he felt were taking advantage of the Hispanic citizens.

On July 13, 1859 Cortina was in Brownsville and witnessed a man who had once worked for him being arrested. Apparently feeling he was being wrongfully detained, Cortina killed the city marshal, and rode out of town with the prisoner. He returned on September 28, 1859 with fifty men and attacked the town. His men rode through town shouting, “Death to Americans,” and firing their guns. Five men were shot that day, but the ones that Cortina had come to town to kill escaped. The city leaders appealed to Mexican authorities for help, and after a short negotiation, Cortina left Brownsville and returned back across the Rio Grande.

Juan Cortina issued a proclamation asserting the rights of Mexicans in Texas and vowed punishment on anyone who violated these rights. Brownsville, fearing another attack, formed a militia, and with the help of a militia from Matamoros, they attacked Cortina at his ranch. The militia was no match for Cortina’s forces, and they were easily repulsed, losing all of their cannon in the process. With this victory, Cortina’s popularity grew along with his army, as men flocked to his side.

He now had an army of four-hundred men and continued his fight along the Rio Grande Valley. A company of Rangers led by John Salmon “Rip” Ford along with a group of regulars led by Major Samuel Heintzelman, defeated Cortina, who retreated to Mexico. Cortina and his army went on to fight along both sides of the border for years, as both outlaws and revolutionaries. He continued to be accused of cattle rustling, and finally in July 1875, due to diplomatic pressure, he was arrested and sent to Mexico City. On October 30, 1894 Juan Cortina died in Atzcapozalco.

 

©04/29/2017

 

Fredericksburg: Something for Everyone

I am very excited to talk about what is probably my favorite weekend getaway destination. Fredericksburg is located seventy miles northwest of San Antonio, but it feels a world away from the crazy pace of the big city. I know it sounds like a cliché, but Fredericksburg literally has something for everybody, from shopping to dinning, from brew pubs to wineries, if you’re into it, they got it.

Antiques, furniture, clothes, décor, gifts, collectibles, no matter what you’re in the market for, you’ll find it in one of the many shops that line Main Street. When we travel to Fredericksburg, my wife and I usually spend a full day leisurely strolling through the shops, and although make the trip several times a year, we never fail to find new and unique items that we just have to buy.  One of my favorites is Texas Jack’s Wild West Outfitters, which is home to everything having to do with the old west. From guns to authentic western wear, Texas Jack’s has it all. My last purchase from there is an antique western hat from the late 1800’s that decorates my study. Yes, given the right circumstances, I can be quite the shameless shopper.

After a day of walking the shops, a pint of the local brew is just the ticket for refreshment, and there is no place better than the Fredericksburg Brewery to take a load off and relax with a cold beer. If you’re not sure which beer to choose then order a sample tray of several of their best microbrews, but trust me, they’re all good. If you’ve got a hankering for a hamburger or chicken fried steak, then take a seat in the dining room and order from the menu. For pub food, the Fredericksburg Brewery has got you covered. If you’d prefer to delve into Fredericksburg’s German heritage, then try one of several Biergartens for a feast of jagerschnitzel and spaetzle, washed down with a cold German stout.

Keeping with the theme of German cuisine, start the day with a pastry or eggs benedict at the Old German Bakery and Restaurant. As a rule, I always believe in eating where the locals eat, and there is no better place to mix with the fine citizens of Fredericksburg than over breakfast at the Old German Bakery and Restaurant, where, unless you’re an especially earlier riser, you’ll have to wait at least a few minutes for a table. Don’t let that deter you though, it’s well worth the wait.

My wife is always on the lookout for awesome vistas and scenic locations, anywhere a great photo op can be had, and in Fredericksburg that need is filled atop the four-hundred-foot summit of Enchanted Rock. If you’re not in particularly great shape then the climb to the top is a little tough, but as long as you take your time, it’s certainly doable, and the view of the Hill Country from the top can’t be beat. Get there early though, because the rock is a fragile eco system and the rangers only allow so many people on it each day.

I make no claim to being a wine connoisseur. I enjoy a good glass, but I tend to prefer the sweeter, less sophisticated blends, but even I can appreciate the superior taste of the mustang grapes grown in the Hill Country. For us, no trip is complete without paying a visit to one of the local wineries and picking up a few bottles for ourselves and as gifts for family and friends. If it’s your first time and you haven’t scoped out a favorite, there are several companies that offer wine tours, and believe me, when the day is over you’ll have picked out at least one or two favorites, and will have spent the day in the company of good people and in beautiful country, and friends, that’s a great day no matter who you are.,

Fredericksburg is a perfect weekend trip, and this is evidenced by the thousands of people that visit every week, so book your trip early, as rooms fill up fast, and rates tend to be much higher for last minute reservations. There are many chain hotels and motels, as well as abundant bed and breakfasts, but it is not unheard of for every room to be filled during the peak seasons, so plan wisely. If you plan on spending the day down town, I would also recommend getting there early and claiming your parking spot, because parking on Main Street is at a premium, but these caveats aside, Fredericksburg is a wonderful leisure getaway, where you can still be as active as you choose to be. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any comments or suggestions regarding this or any other post, and get out there and enjoy all that the great state of Texas has to offer.

©04/23/2017

Happy San Jacinto Day Texas!!!!

Today marks the 181st Anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto where Texas secured its Independence and Freedom.  Sam Houston and his troops defeated Santa Anna and his Mexican forces to declare victory for Texas.

 

Juan Seguin: Unsung Hero of Texas

Of all those that helped build what would become the great state of Texas, it would be hard to find one who did more than Juan Nepomuceno Seguin. He started his life of service as a teenager, helping his mother run the family’s post office in his hometown of San Antonio, while his father served in congress. From then until the end of his life, Juan Seguin served as a military and political leader, serving wherever Texas needed him.

Juan Seguin was born on October 27, 1806 in San Antonio to Juan Jose Maria Erasmo Seguin and Maria Josefa Becerra. At nineteen Juan married Maria Gertrudis Flores de Abrego, whose family were prominent ranchers in San Antonio, and together they had ten children. Not long after getting married, Juan began his political career when he was elected alderman in 1828, after which he served on several electoral boards before being elected mayor of San Antonio in 1833.

When tensions between Texas and Mexico boiled over into rebellion in 1835, Stephen F. Austin commissioned Seguin as a captain after he raised his own company. After the Battle of Gonzales, Seguin and his men participated in several scouting and supply operations, and then marched to San Antonio in time for the Battle of Bexar, where the Texian forces took the city back from the Mexican Army. He stayed in San Antonio, and after the arrival of Santa Anna’s army he took refuge inside the Alamo along with three hundred other Texian volunteers. During the siege, he was sent as a courier to Gonzales, making him one of the only adult survivors.

Juan Seguin quickly organized a company and made it back to the Alamo, but by the time he arrived the mission had already fallen. Him and his men provided rear guard actions for Sam Houston’s army, keeping the Mexican Army from intercepting them before Houston could consolidate his forces. Seguin was present at the Battle of San Jacinto, where the Texians defeated the Mexican Army, and he later accepted the Mexican surrender in San Antonio on June 4, 1836.

Through the fall of 1837 he served as the military commander of San Antonio, where he provided one of the most valuable services of his career, holding burial services for the remains of the Alamo heroes. At the end of 1837 he was elected to the Texas Senate, at which time he resigned his commission. He served in the senate until 1840 when he resigned, after which he served several more terms as mayor of San Antonio.

During the 1840’s he was involved in unpopular land speculation and became involved in growing unrest between Anglo Texans and Tejanos, forcing him to flee to Mexico, where he remained until after the Mexican American war. He died on August 27, 1890 and in 1974 his remains where buried in Seguin, Texas, the town named in his honor.

Juan Seguin Burial Site in Seguin, Texas

Whether on the battlefield, the political arena, or paying respect to our honored dead, Juan Seguin’s was a life of service, the dividends of which we are still enjoying to this day. This is the time of year we Texans celebrate the events that led to independence, and it is only fitting that we take a moment to recognize the contributions of Juan Seguin.

 

©04/15/2017

An Inspiring Experience:  A Visit to the National Museum of the Pacific War

Fredericksburg, Texas

http://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/

“Inspiring our youth by honoring our heroes.” That is the guiding philosophy of the National Museum of the Pacific War, and what could possibly be a more worthwhile goal than that. As a father, I feel it is one of my main jobs to teach my children to think beyond themselves and to learn that with great blessings comes great sacrifice. Nothing exemplifies this principle more than our WWII veterans who served in the Pacific theatre, and the National Museum of the Pacific War is the only museum dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the war in the Pacific.

The museum is located in Fredericksburg, Texas, and is really three museums in one. The Admiral Chester Nimitz museum is the original portion of the complex and is housed in what was once the Nimitz Hotel, which was owned and operated by Chester Nimitz’s grandfather, and has been a Fredericksburg landmark since the 1800’s. It tells the story of the man who would rise to the position of Commander and Chief of the Pacific Fleet, an expert in submarine warfare, and the United States’ last surviving Fleet Admiral.

The George H.W. Bush gallery tells the whole story of the Pacific war, from the attack on Pearl Harbor to the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri. The number and quality of artifacts showcased in the museum is astounding, and includes; planes, guns uniforms, maps, photographs, and even a Japanese submarine that was used during the Pearl Harbor attack. Some of the most moving and memorable artifacts are the media exhibits, testimonials, and letters, where the horrific battles are described by the servicemen who fought them.

 

The Pacific Combat Zone is a two-acre self-guided exhibit, where you can; stand on the deck of a PT boat, walk through the hanger deck of an aircraft carrier, and see an actual battle play out right in front of your eyes. It is undergoing an eight million dollar muti-phase renovation, the first phase of which is already completed. The purpose of the Combat Zone is to take visitors into the War in the Pacific and show them what it was like for those that fought there. The living history shows take place on a mock-up of a Pacific beachhead and include reenactments that take place several times a year.

My grandfather first took me to the museum when I was eleven, when it was just the Admiral Nimitz Museum, and I remember that it had a very profound effect on me. It was the first time I had really heard the stories from WWII, and saw what the face of war really looked like, and I remember wondering how a person could see his buddy get cut down in front of him and still muster the courage to keep going and do their job. When I reflect on that question I am still in awe of the men and women who display that sort of bravery. I have visited the museum countless times since I was eleven and am very gratified to see how it has grown and what it has become, and as I watch the faces of my children as well as the others walking among the exhibits, I know that they will leave with much the same feeling as I did over forty years ago.

The National Museum of the Pacific War is open from 9am-5pm every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas day. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for veterans w/military ID, $7 for children 6+, and admission is free for children 5 and under as well as WWII veterans. The museum is easy to find, just get on Main Street in downtown Fredericksburg and look for the building that looks like the bow of a ship.

Fredericksburg is my family’s favorite getaway destination, and I will be doing a blog post on the town very soon. There is much to do there regardless of what your idea of a perfect getaway entails, and I will describe it all from firsthand experience, as after many years, there is not much in Fredericksburg that I have not done at least twice.

© 4/6/2017

 

Come and see how Texas won its freedom from Mexico and eventually became the twenty-eighth state, and enjoy a day of games, food, fun, and history. The festival takes place on Saturday April 22, 2017 on the grounds of the San Jacinto Monument. The festivities will include reenactments of the “runaway scrape” and the battle of San Jacinto, where Texas independence was finally secured.

During the day, the reenactors will be available to answer questions and give a unique insight into the battles fought against the Mexican army, and the rigors of frontier life. They take Texas history from the pages of books and bring it to life in front of your eyes, on the very ground, where, over 175 years ago, the actual events took place. The festival is put on by the San Jacinto Museum of History, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and many volunteers, and admission is entirely free.

As a child, my love of history was developed visiting historic sites around Texas, and by listening to those who had a passion for bringing the events of history alive. Take it from someone with four kids, children have a natural curiosity to know why things are the way they are, and what the people were like who came before. What they learn in school is important, but it’s only a beginning. To truly have a grasp of history and to be able to make up their own minds about how they feel about the events of our past, they need to see it in front of their eyes. As a writer, I have a great love of books, but they don’t always serve to convey the importance and relevance of their subject. Historical events and people tend to seem far removed from our lives in the twenty-first century, but when you see these reenactments you come away realizing that these were just people like us, with the same dreams, struggles, and faults that we all share.

As Americans, and Texans, we are all living out the dreams that our forefathers fought and died for. They knew the importance of freedom, because they knew what it was not to have it, and they would be very gratified that we have prospered to the degree we have because of the sacrifices they have made. Thank God, we don’t have to make the same difficult choices, but there is debt that we owe to them, and our payment is to set aside a little time from our busy lives to learn our history and what it took for all of us to live the amazing lives we enjoy today.

© 03/30/2017

 

The Texas Revolution gave birth to our state’s first heroes, and among those, but often overlooked is James Walker Fannin.

While fate would not allow him the dignity of being able to go down fighting like his comrades at the Alamo, he held out with his men and fought against an army with far superior numbers. In the end, he stood his post and died a soldier, and what better could be said of any man.

He was born in Georgia in 1804, but as his mother and father were not married, he was adopted by his maternal grandfather, James W. Walker. In July 1819, Fannin enrolled in the United States Military Academy at West Point, but he only stayed for two years, and in November 1821, he withdrew.

After returning to Georgia, he married Minerva Fort and in 1834 they moved to a plantation in Velasco, Texas which would eventually be annexed into the city of Freeport in 1957.

Besides running a plantation, Fannin was also involved in the slave trade, which put him at odds with the Mexican government, who controlled Texas. Soon he became a leader in the Texas Revolution, both as an officer in the Volunteer army and as a financier.

Fannin planned several offensive actions against the Mexican army that never materialized and after becoming disillusioned with the Volunteer Army, he resigned on November 22, 1835. He did not like the undisciplined nature of the volunteer soldiers, and especially disliked the custom of the men electing their own officers. The feeling, however, was mutual, as his men felt he was a poor leader and dislike his attempts at enforcing military order.

In December, he was commissioned as Colonel in the Regular army, and he immediately set about gathering both men and material.

Fannin gathered his forces at La Bahia in Goliad, Texas on February 7, 1836, and it was here that him and his men would meet their fate.

On March 19, under orders from General Sam Houston, Fannin began his retreat to Victoria after learning that his reinforcements from Refugio had been captured. Fannin and his men were captured almost immediately at the Battle of Coleto Creek by Mexican forces led by General Jose Urrea, but not before putting up a fierce fight and killing one hundred Mexican soldiers.

The Texas Revolutionaries were taken back to La Bahia, where they were all executed on March 27, 1836. Fannin was the last to be executed, as he was injured.

He was seated in a chair in the middle of the courtyard and blindfolded. He asked that his possessions be given to his family, that he be shot in the heart and that he be given a Christian burial. While his executioner agreed to his request, Fannin was shot in the face, his possessions were divided among several of the soldiers, and his body was burned along with those of his men. After burning, their bodies were left in the open to be ravaged by animals.

While James Fannin had certain major deficiencies in his character, and was not a particularly likeable person by most accounts, he gave his life for freedom. We can’t pick and choose our heroes from some imaginary group of flawless people. Heroes are nothing more than real people with the same balance of good and bad as everyone, but what makes them extraordinary is the fact that when needed, they rise above themselves and do what is necessary.

To pay homage to Colonel James Fannin and his brave men, visit the Fannin Battleground State Historic Site and the Fannin Memorial Monument

03/23/2017

What’s Brewing in Cowtown

 

Howdy Friends, I’m taking a bit of a departure today from my usual topic of Texas history so that I can talk about my other passion, beer. More specifically, Rahr & Sons Brewery, a Fort Worth favorite since 2004, who in a short time have developed quite a following. Their beers are now available in most major grocery stores in Texas, but like most beers, it’s best when enjoyed straight from the tap. In the North Texas area, most restaurants with a good selection of craft beers, will have at least one Rahr beer on tap, and the number of establishments serving Rahr is growing every day.

My personal favorite is the Texas Red, but to be honest I haven’t tasted a bad one yet, and I’ve tried them all. I even like their IPA and I’m not usually an Indian Pale Ale kind of guy, but no matter which beer you try, you’ll understand why Rahr & Sons is already a Texas tradition.

For a unique and fun experience go to one of their twice weekly tour and tastings. These are on Wednesdays from 5:00pm-7:30pm, and Saturday from 1:00pm-3:00pm. For $10.00 you get a decorative pint glass, three pints of beer, and a brewery tour. If you’re like me, and prefer to have a little elbow room, then I suggest you go on Wednesday evening, when the crowds are a bit lighter. Regardless of which day you choose, you’ll have a great time and enjoy some of the best beer in Texas.

For more information on Rahr Breweries:  www.rahrbrewing.com

03/22/2017

 

Hey Guys. If you’re going to be in the Goliad, Texas area on March 25 and 26, help celebrate Texas Independence by attending the 32nd annual Goliad Massacre Reenactment and Living History Program. Come see battle reenactments, a reenactment of the massacre, and candlelight tour during this two-day event, with reenactors representing both the Mexican and Texian soldiers.

The heroes of Goliad seem to get lost to history, with much of the attention going to the brave men who perished at the Alamo, but James Fannin and the other men at Goliad sacrificed as much as anyone upon the alter of freedom, and are just as deserving of our respect and remembrance. To learn more about the Goliad Massacre and James Fannin, keep checking Under the Lone Star, as I will be including write ups of both on future blog posts.

 

http://www.presidiolabahia.org