Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

During our visit to the Bob Bullock Museum, I learned many things about Texas and various leaders who contributed to the history of this great state. I had learned facts in history class and read about some of these leaders, but visiting the museum allowed me the opportunity to increase my knowledge of the great state of Texas. The museum was very interesting, and I now have a greater understanding of our leaders' impact on our state. Many of these leaders’ accomplishments are taught in history classes, but today I got to know the character and qualities of these leaders. I witnessed many different qualities that made each leader great in their own way.

Many various groups and leaders displayed great ambition through the exploration of new land which is now Texas. The Aztecs and Incas were Mexican ethnic groups that showed their ambition by sending ships filled with gold and silver back to Spain. They were persistant conquerors of the new land and were loyal to their home nation by sending back the riches they found. In the 1500s, ambitious Spanish explorers traveled to the area what is now Texas and led numerous expeditions to this precious land throughout the 16th century. Many Native Americans inhabited the nation and the area that is Texas. The coastal Indians, located on the coast of Texas, discovered the survivors of the Panfilo de Narvaez expedition. These survivors were the first Europeans to set foot in present day Texas near Galveston Island in 1528. Thousands of native people lived here for 11,000 years before Europeans arrived in Texas. Many different groups co-existed in this area with a variety of languages, customs, and beliefs. This diversity epitomizes the cultural melting pot and freedom that is the symbol of America. Spaniards entered Texas in 1528 in hopes of conquering land. The Karankawa Indians were another group of Native Americans that inhabited the territory and lived along the bay shores. They were very ambitious in the way they adapted to a way of life for survival. These Indians traveled in groups of 40 to 50 to take advantage of seasonal foods. They ate fish and shellfish in the fall and winter, searched for pear fruits and mesquite beans in the spring and summer, and hunted buffalo whenever possible.

Other prominent leaders in Texas history demonstrated great courage that led Texas to where it is today. LaSalle traveled across the Atlantic in 1684 to 1685 and led a small fleet that stopped in the Caribbean. Several men deserted here to settle the land. The Caddo and Europeans each courageously believed they would dominate the Texas territory for centuries; however, both were wrong. Stephen F. Austin prevailed as a leader after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821. He worked tirelessly to survey and map thousands of acres to benefit what is now our great state. He showed great courage as he helped develop and fought for our state. By 1836, the year he died for Texas, Austin had administered 4 grants and approximately 1,000 families had settled in Texas. The first battle of Adobe Walls, which occurred in 1864, resulted from attacks on white settlers and was one of the largest battles between US soldiers and Indians. This battle marked the beginning of the end of the plains tribes because of the leaders’ courage and bravery. Many other battles and events along the timeline of Texas history display great leadership and the courage to fight for the independence and freedom of our state. Some of these include the Treaty of Medicine Lodge in 1867, the attack on Salt Creek Prairies in 1871, the Red River War, the second battle of Adobe Walls in 1874, and the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon in 1874. Many leaders demonstrated great courage, persistence, and bravery throughout these events.

The movie “Star of Destiny” gave me further insight into the leaders of Texas’ history. Many courageous and daring leaders like William Travis were pointed out as symbols of the Texas spirit. Sam Houston was general of the Texas army and a great leader in the fight for Texas' independence from Mexico. Many leaders attempting to conquer land such as De Vaca, Coronado, and La Salle all had great perseverance to gain the land they wanted. The movie explained how in many battles, brave men stood up even against almost impossible odds to fight for our great state of Texas. We are so fortunate to have the land, freedom, and opportunity for which our pioneers fought. Today, we live in a place with the advantages of a civilized and free country, and much of this was gained through great hardship and sacrifices by our leaders. The cowboys were another group to prevail in Texas. They epitomized great qualities of leaders through their persistence in settling and did not even think about quitting or giving up. When a great storm destroyed the city of Galveston and many were killed, instead of abandoning the city, the citizens worked together to rebuild the city and built a wall 12 feet high to prevent future water damage. In the twentieth century, Texans began to take the lead in industry, arts, politics, and science. Many leaders in Houston were able to put the first man on the moon. "Star of Destiny" enforced “the Texas spirit belongs to everyone.” I agree with this quote and believe we need to take full advantage of it.


Experiencing the Bob Bullock museum and watching the movie “Star of Destiny” gave me a greater understanding about the place we live today and the many leaders who contributed to the history of Texas. I hope to one day have the ambition, courage, bravery, and persistence that all these leaders humbly exemplified through their great accomplishments. As “Star of Destiny” states, “The Texas adventure is now our adventure,” so we must rise to the challenge to influence our society in a positive way such that all these leaders did for us. We are the future of our great state of Texas.



*first picture: Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
*second picture: Native Americans that populated the territory
*third picture: LaSalle
*fourth picture: Stephen F. Austin
*fifth picture: Battle of the Alamo
*sixth picture: Sam Houston
*seventh picture: first man on the moon
*eigth picture: state of Texas