New Book, TEXAS Before the Lone Star, Aims to Capture Imaginations and Teach Young Students

Telling Engaging Stories of Adventures in a Land Before the Lone Star

Texas has a rich and diverse history that began long before the iconic Battle of the Alamo. While tales of “Remember the Alamo,” “Come and Take It,” and Davy Crockett’s fiery farewell as he exited the U.S. Congress, advising fellow legislators “You may all go…and I will go to Texas” are legendary stories in classrooms across the state, TEXAS Before the Lone Star delves into the adventures and contributions of the men and women who shaped the region when Texas was a part of Spain and then Mexico. Rooted in historical facts, these stories are uniquely told from the perspective of children and thoughtfully crafted for a fourth-grade audience.

Recognizing that many Texans are unfamiliar with Texas’ rich history prior to the Alamo, TEXAS Before the Lone Star aims to fill that gap. This book presents the diverse experiences of Native Americans, Spanish colonists and later European immigrants, and African Americans in colonial New Spain through engaging stories crafted for young readers, supplemented by a downloadable curriculum for teachers.

TEAGUE PUBLIC LIBRARY (L-R): Nancy McSwane, Jonathan Hardin Chapter; Helen Marek, Jonathan Hardin Chapter and Teague Library; Melissa Satterwhite, Head Librarian, Teague Library; Patti Gauntt, Jonathan Hardin Chapter; and Beverly Johnson, Teague Library. (Courtesy Photos)

Written and illustrated by Texas State Daughters, some stories in the book reflect cherished family histories passed down through generations, including ancestors who journeyed as immigrants to New Spain. Others reveal little-known contributions made by these individuals who, while serving the Spanish crown, contributed to the cause of American independence, helping DAR recognize them as Revolutionary War patriots.

To further support educators, TEXAS Before the Lone Star is accompanied by downloadable curriculum and lesson plans aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). This resource helps make learning more meaningful by connecting children with shared heritage, identity, or a sense of place, particularly for children of Hispanic descent who can discover the significant contributions of the Spanish to the American Revolution.

Texas State Daughters aspire to place a copy of the book in every public elementary school library across the state to entertain, educate, and inspire a new generation of American patriots as the nation celebrates its Semi-quincentennial.

In May of 2025 the Jonathan Hardin Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution personally placed hard back books in every public school that houses Grade Four in Limestone and Freestone counties and one Christian academy in Limestone County. The book will also be placed in another Christian academy in Freestone County in the fall. Most recently in June the chapter donated the book to the Fairfield, Groesbeck, Mexia and Teague Public libraries. Personal copies of the book are available for purchase on Amazon.

(at top):  FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY (L-R): Beth Harrison, Jonathan Hardin Chapter; Pat Wiggins, Jonathan Hardin Chapter; Gary Wiggins, Director, Fairfield Library; Robin Hancock-Stearns, Children’s Program Coordinator, Fairfield Library; Kalyn Ethridge, Fairfield Library; and Diane Pullin, Jonathan Hardin Chapter.