Learn About ‘Ten Tall Texans You’ve Probably Never Heard Of’

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CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University’s Center for the Study of the American West will host author James L. Haley as he shares “Ten Tall Texans You’ve Probably Never Heard Of.”

The event is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 4 in the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex Recital Hall on WT’s Canyon campus.

According to Dr. Alex Hunt, CSAW director and Haley Endowed Professor of Western Studies, Haley’s “Ten Tall Texans” are unexpected, sometimes hilarious and always fascinating, and their stories will enrich attendees’ understanding of Texas history.

These 10 little-known historical figures include abolitionist Benjamin Lundy, who came to Texas to form a demonstration colony of freedmen; “80 John” Wallace, who was born a slave and became a highly respected rancher in the Midland area; and Fanny Henderson, the wife of Texas’ first governor, whose talents included translation of 17 languages.

“I’ve been a fan of James Haley since I read his first book, ‘The Buffalo War: The History of the Red River Indian Uprising of 1874’ which is about our region,” Hunt said.

Haley has written more than 20 books of history and fiction. His nonfiction covers the story of the American West, including Native Americana, state histories of Texas and Hawaii, and a classic biography of Sam Houston.

“This will be a great midsummer event—entertaining and fun, but also thought-provoking,” Dr. Hunt said. “I hope that Mr. Haley’s account of relatively unknown but historically important Texans will complicate our sense of the story of Texas.”

Haley, who grew up in Fort Worth, won the Western Writers of America Spur Award twice and the Texas Historical Commission Book Award twice. He currently serves as writer-in-residence at The Pines Ranch, a nonprofit retreat facility in Colorado, where he continues to write books and host reader/writer groups for activities on the ranch.

This event was made possible with support from Amarillo National Bank.

About the Center for the Study of the American West

CSAW was formed in the fall of 2016 with a mission of fostering the study of the American West at West Texas A&M University and building bridges between the university, the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and the regional populace. CSAW seeks to promote the American West both as a culturally unique region and as a product of broad historical forces. For information about CSAW and upcoming events, visit wtamu.edu/csaw.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degrees, including two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

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