 Texas: Before the Lone Star
Texas: Before the Lone Star is a proud publication of the Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution, made possible by the generosity and passion of TXDAR members as part of the 2024–2027 State Regent’s Project. Spearheaded by Texas State Regent Susan Johnston, a dynamic team was assembled to bring this book to life with creativity and care.
Daughters from all corners of Texas poured their hearts into this project—uncovering family stories, diving into courthouse records and library archives, and weaving together a collection of captivating tales. Co-chaired by the talented GeorgiAnne Brochstein and Mary Anthony Startz, and supported by the expertise of dedicated current and former Texas educators, the stories and artwork were thoughtfully created and refined.
An essential feature of this project is the accompanying curriculum, crafted by a skilled team to bring these stories into classrooms in a meaningful and impactful way. This resource not only meets TEKS standards but also helps educators immerse students in the rich, dynamic history of Spanish Colonial Texas.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 as a nonpolitical service organization for women who can prove lineal descent from a man or woman who contributed to American cause in the Revolutionary War. The exclusive objectives of DAR are historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Every state has a state society headed by an elected state regent, and currently the Texas State Society DAR boasts over 19,000 members.
The Texas state regent adopts a significant service project related to one or more of our objectives. In honor of the Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of America's founding, my project is to create a book and endeavor to place a copy in every public elementary school library across the state. Recognizing that many are unfamiliar with the history of our state until shortly before the Battle of the Alamo, this book seeks to relate tales of the men and women living in what was New Spain during colonial times—Native Americans, European immigrants, African Americans, and those of mixed ancestry.
Rooted in historical facts, these stories are uniquely told from the perspective of children and thoughtfully crafted for a fourth-grade audience. Written and illustrated by Texas State Daughters, some stories reflect cherished family histories passed down through generations—stories of ancestors who journeyed as immigrants to New Spain, whose descendants are now proud members of our Society. Others reveal little-known contributions made by these individuals to the cause of American independence, helping DAR recognize them as Revolutionary War patriots, alongside those from the original thirteen colonies. Together, these men and women played a meaningful role in shaping the rich culture and history of our beloved Lone Star State.
Downloadable curriculum and lesson plans aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are available to support teachers who wish to enrich their lessons with Texas Before the Lone Star. Learning becomes more meaningful as children connect with others who share a common heritage, identity, or sense of place. For children of Hispanic descent, discovering the significant and often overlooked contributions of the Spanish to the success of the American Revolution can be a source of pride and inspiration.
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, we aspire for this book to entertain, educate, and inspire a new generation of American patriots, passionately committed to preserving the best of our nation.
Chapters may log in to the Members' Section of the website to find a link to order copies of the book in increments of five for donation to schools, libraries, etc.
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