Texas Rising: The Epic True Story of the Lone Star Republic and the Rise of the Texas Rangers, 1836-1846

The official nonfiction companion to HISTORY’s dramatic series Texas Rising (created by the same team that made the ratings record-breaker Hatfields & McCoys): a thrilling new narrative history of the Texas Revolution and the rise of the legendary Texas Rangers who patrolled the violent western frontier

March 1836: The Republic of Texas, just weeks old, is already near collapse. William Barret Travis and his brave defenders of the Alamo in San Antonio have been slaughtered. Hundreds more Texan soldiers have surrendered at Goliad, only to be marched outside the fortress and executed by order of the ruthless Mexican general Santa Anna, a dictator denying Texans their freedom and liberty.

General Sam Houston—a hard-drinking, hot-tempered opportunist—remains in command of a small band of volunteer colonists, mercenaries, and the newly organized Texas Rangers. They are the last hope for Texas to challenge the relentless advance of Santa Anna’s much larger Mexican Army—yet many of them curse Houston, enraged by his decision to retreat across Texas before the advancing enemy.

The exhausted, outnumbered rebels will meet their destiny on an empty plain near the Gulf Coast next to the San Jacinto River—and make a stand that determines the fate of the young nation. “Remember the Alamo!” and “Remember Goliad!” will be the battle cries, and the order of the day will echo Travis’s at the Alamo: Victory or death.

Acclaimed Texas historian Stephen L. Moore’s new narrative history tells the full, thrilling story of the Texas Revolution from its humble beginnings to its dramatic conclusion, and reveals the contributions of the fabled Texas Rangers—both during the revolution and in the frontier Indian wars that followed.

The epic true story of the Lone Star Republic and the rise of the Texas Rangers, 1836-1846

March 1836: The Republic of Texas, just weeks old, is already near collapse. William Barret Travis and his brave defenders of the Alamo in San Antonio have been slaughtered. Hundreds more Texan soldiers have surrendered at Goliad, only to be marched outside the fortress and executed by order of the ruthless Mexican general Santa Anna, a dictator denying Texans their freedom and liberty.

General Sam Houston—a hard-drinking, hot-tempered opportunist—remains in command of a small band of volunteer colonists, mercenaries, and the newly organized Texas Rangers. They are the last hope for Texas to challenge the relentless advance of Santa Anna's much larger Mexican Army—yet many of them curse Houston, enraged by his decision to retreat across Texas before the advancing enemy.

The exhausted, outnumbered rebels will meet their destiny on an empty plain near the Gulf Coast next to the San Jacinto River—and make a stand that determines the fate of the young nation. "Remember the Alamo!" and "Remember Goliad!" will be the battle cries, and the order of the day will echo Travis's at the Alamo: Victory or death.

Texas Rising is the official nonfiction companion to History's dramatic series, produced by the same team behind the award-winning ratings blockbuster Hatfields & McCoys. Acclaimed Texas historian Stephen L. Moore's new narrative history tells the full, thrilling story of the Texas Revolution from its humble beginnings to its dramatic conclusion, and reveals the contributions of the fabled Texas Rangers—both during the revolution and in the frontier Indian wars that followed.

“A lively account of the battles of the Texas Revolution against Mexico in the 1830s and subsequent fighting against native tribes residing in the region. ... Colorful. ... [A] fast-moving narrative.” - Library Journal

“A page-turner. ... Moore has combined excellent research with perceptive analysis and a compelling narrative to bring to life the people and events of one of the most heroic episodes in American history.” - Thom Hatch, Spur Award-winning author of The Last Outlaws: The Lives and Legends of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

“With a wonderful eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Stephen L. Moore has provided an action-packed ride with the early Texas Rangers through the violent Republic years. ... He is one of the best writers working today.” - James M. Scott, author of Target Tokyo: Jimmy Doolittle and the Raid That Avenged Pearl Harbor

“Stephen L. Moore’s vivid portrayal of this tumultuous period helps bridge the gulf between fact and fiction in Texas Rangers’ history.” - Jody Edward Ginn, PhD, historian, former Texas Rangers Association

A MAIN SELECTION OF THE HISTORY BOOK CLUB - *

“Entertaining. ... Any western history buff or those who wish to learn more about the formative days of Texas will find this a fascinating read.” - The Californian