Lecture to Reveal Secrets of Texas Revolution March 5

Texas history lovers don’t want to miss any of the lectures and discussions by Dr. James E. Crisp, associate professor of History at North Carolina State University and author of “Sleuthing the Alamo: Davy Crockett’s Last Stand and Other Mysteries of the Texas Revolution.”

Two different lectures and discussions will take place Monday, March 5. The first, “Sleuthing the Alamo: Documenting Davy’s Death” is at 12 p.m. in Texas A&M International University’s Student Center Theatre, room 236. At 7 p.m., Dr. Crisp will present  “Sleuthing the Alamo: Race, Art, and Politics,” also in room 236.

Lectures are free of charge to the public and presented by the TAMIU College of Arts and Sciences,’ department of social sciences.

Through “In Sleuthing the Alamo,” Crisp reveals some surprising truths about the Texas Revolution. A native Texan, he begins with a personal introduction of his experiences with both pride and prejudices that he encountered as a youth in Texas. He maps out his path of discovery through distorted documents and documents that have been censored and ignored. These documents reveal long silenced voices from Texas’ past. 

Crisp takes the reader along on an investigation into several problems related to the Texas revolution: Sam Houston’s speech at Refugio, the authenticity of the de la Peña diary, and the conditions of Davy Crockett’s death.

Each chapter focuses on specific documentary discoveries and uncovers the signs that led to the discovery. The book focuses on the process used to reach these conclusions, though not so much emphasis is put on the conclusions themselves. Along the way, the author shows the importance of revisiting original sources, and how and why myths were made.

Crisp will sign copies of his best-selling book, “Sleuthing the Alamo: David Crockett’s Last Stand and other Mysteries of the Texas Revolution,” in the Student Center foyer immediately following lectures.

The lecture is sponsored by Toni Ruiz and La Barranca Grill.

For additional information, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library room 268 or e-mail prmis@tamiu.edu.

University office hours are from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. – This story by Rebecca M. Martinez, Student Intern

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu