Telling Engaging Stories of Adventures in a Land Before the Lone Star
Rockwall, TX – August 1, 2025 – 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.
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 Semiquincentennial.
If you would like more information about this topic, please call [Margaret Davidson] at [2145775539], or email [mjdavidson78@gmail.com].
About DAR
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a nonpolitical women’s service organization founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. With over 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR members are women aged 18 and older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. The organization’s exclusive objectives are historic preservation, education, and patriotism, and members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their communities. The Texas State Society DAR boasts over 19,000 members and actively supports projects related to these objectives. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org.
Submitted by Margaret Davidson, Rockwall Chapter NSDAR
