Untold Texas stories come to life for young readers in new DAR Book: TEXAS Before the Lone Star

Rockwall, TX (August 14, 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.

Press release submitted by Margaret Davidson, Rock Wall Chapter DAR, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photo.

  DAR Rock Wall Chapter, Daughters of American Revolution, feature, Rockwall, Rockwall ISD