We’re delighted to be back in print! And, we’re as committed as ever to providing a quarterly printed magazine.
It goes without saying that this year is undoubtedly unique, and we are all living through a particularly challenging time. Our 2020 Spring edition was hot off the presses and hitting our distribution channels when, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, travel restrictions and shelter in place orders were issued. This lead to the Spring issue having an extended presence in visitor centers, historic sites and other delivery points.
A variety of coronavirus-related factors prevented us from printing our 2020 Summer issue. Instead, the material for that issue was made available on our new digital platform. Visitors to the site are welcome to read up to three articles for free and then need a digital subscription to continue viewing material. So, readers now have a choice of a print and/or digital subscription. (For subscription details, see www.AuthenticTexas.com/Subscribe).
In addition to the quarterly digital (web-based) version of Authentic Texas magazine, we are also now offering a free monthly e-newsletter. Delivered to your inbox on the second Wednesday of each month, the newsletter offers additional tidbits related to articles in our current magazine issue plus exclusive new authentic Texas heritage features. Sign up for it on the website, too!
With the changes outlined above, you now have a variety of ways to receive articles, updates, videos and additional information on the authentic people, places and things of Texas!
We hope our readers are inspired to travel and visit the places and communities – whether that trip is next weekend or a couple of months down the road. As our state reopens, restaurants and cafes, lodging establishments, museums, attractions, parks and historic sites are working to provide a healthy, safe and enjoyable environment.
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage everyone to heed the advice of the CDC as well as state and local travel notices and health recommendations. Be sure to check with your destination to confirm hours of operation, and any local or site-specific visitation guidelines.
The Literary Heritage of Texas is the overarching theme of this issue. Most of the first writings about Texas were narratives and fact-based accounts of the land, the people and the plants and animals; Spanish and French accounts spurred exploration. Letters and diaries give insight to the Texas Revolution era, perspectives from a variety of immigrants, and reasons for governmental decisions. Later, the fight for independence, the adventures of cowboys and trail drives and then the high stakes for wildcatters and oil barons all provided plenty of material for fiction and non-fiction works. Texas’s literary heritage is so rich that writings by Texans or about the Lone Star State could be examined more deeply by various time periods and genres. We hope you enjoy this introduction.
Happy Trails
The Authentic Texas Team
Historic Preservation News
Over $20 Million In Restoration Grants Awarded to Nine Historic Texas Courthouses
During its June quarterly meeting, the Texas Historical Commission announced grant recipients for Round XI of the nationally recognized Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program. Matching grants totaling $20,038,121 were awarded to nine counties to aid in preservation of their historic courthouses, including three grants for full restorations.
Callahan, Mason, and Taylor counties received construction grants for full restorations. Kimble, Washington, Wise, and Willacy counties received planning grants. Duval and Lee Counties received emergency grants to address critical issues.
Taylor County Courthouse 
Mason County Courthouse 
Lee County Courthouse
The THCPP Round XI grants were made possible through a $25 million appropriation by the 86th Texas Legislature. Over $2.5 million of those funds were distributed last year to counties with unforeseen conditions in the form of supplemental funding.
For more information, visit www.thc.texas.gov.
From our Readers, Fans and Followers
The Aviation in Texas issue was fantastic. I had no idea what an important role our state has played in the aviation industry. The stories about the early women aviators were so inspirational. Amelia Earhart had nothing on them! – C. Thompson, San Antonio
From our Facebook Page post on Storm’s
We travel from Fort Worth to the Hill Country frequently and its always a tough decision if we’re going to take 281 and have Storms or go through Brownwood for Underwoods. We couldn’t live without those! – K. Michael
From our Facebook post recommending “The Time It Never Rained” by Elmer Kelton
I lived through the Time It Never Rained, watched my family brought to it’s knees, by sickness, by drought, and circumstances not of their making and certainly not by choice. I learned that hard times can hit anyone but you don’t quit trying , you never quit loving and helping one another. – C. B. Cottle
We love hearing from readers, fans and followers. Address letters to Authentic Texas, 3702 Loop 322, Abilene, TX 79602; email director@authentictexas.com; or send us a note through the our website at www.AuthenticTexas.com/contact. Letters/comments may be edited for clarity and length.
