Wednesday, September 17, 2014

THE CIVIL WAR IN TEXAS - AND GIVEAWAYS!!

We have a new look! Isn't it awesome? To celebrate the occasion we are sponsoring a giveaway ... books, prizes and a $50 gift card. So leave a comment at the end of this article to enter. Now let's talk about the Civil War in Texas.


Most Texas residents preceding the Civil War came to the Lone Star State from the Deep South, families and plantations which had slaves. Therefore, understandably, their sympathies resided with the South.

Governor Sam Houston's loyalty, however, remained with the Union, and he refused to even call for a secession convention. Secessionists then called on county judges to hold elections for delegates, and they gathered in Austin to vote on secession. Governor Houston tried to block them at that point
by calling a special session of the legislature. That measure failed when the legislature discovered that many of its members had been elected delegates to the secession convention. They voted for secession 152-6

When the secessionists required all state officials who had sworn an oath of loyalty to the old state constitution to affirm their loyalty to the Confederate States, Sam Houston remained in his rocking chair and refused to do so. The convention declared the office of governor vacant and the Lt Gov Edward Clark became the new governor of Texas.

Here in Waco, on New Year's Day of 1861 before the convention in Austin, Governor Houston spoke strongly against secession and was run out of town. The sentiments of most Texans clearly lay with South. However, Governor Houston refused President-Elect Lincoln's offer to rally Federal forces to prevent Texas from leaving the Union. He declared he would not raise arms against his state. He could only stand by helplessly as his beloved Texas sent  between 60,000 - 70,000 off to fight for a lost cause.

Very few battles actually were fought on Texas soil. Those that did occur were along the Gulf Coast to try to prevent supplies from coming through. The Union attempted to occupy Galveston, but the Confederates took it back quickly and occupied for the remainder of the war. The Union decided they could control the blockade as well from New Orleans.

A small coastal town, Indianola, was also occupied by the Union Army. At the time of the war, it was the second largest port because of the deep waters off the coast.

The Battle of Sabine Pass as another attempt to enter Texas, however 5,000 Union troops and 17 ships were turned back by 42 Confederate artillerymen in the narrow pass.

The Red River campaign was another attempt to bring the Union transports up the Mississippi River, then the Red River. However the invasion was halted and turned back at the Battle of Mansfield.

The last battle of the war, Palmito Ranch, was actually fought after Lee's surrender in Virginia. Union troops got on Texas soil, but the war was over, and it was to no avail.


Read about the Civil War in Texas in my novel, His Steadfast Love. And don't forget to leave a comment to enter the giveaway.

Golden Keyes Parsons writes historical fiction, and is also a popular retreat/conference speaker. Her highly acclaimed Darkness to Light Series (Thomas Nelson) chronicled the journey of her French Huguenot ancestors in 17th century France. Her fourth novel, His Steadfast Love, is a Civil War novel set in Texas. Her latest release is a compilation of four novellas (WhiteFire Publishing) – a biblical fiction series entitled Hidden Faces, Portraits of Nameless Women in the Gospels. Golden lives in Waco, TX, with her husband, Blaine, where they enjoy their children, grandchildren and are avid sports fans of their alma mater, Baylor University. You can contact her at www.goldenkeyesparsons.com.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

10 comments:

  1. Thank you for these fascinating facts. I would love to read more in your wonderful book.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Historicals are my favorites. I have always like history so I am glad I found this site.
    jwisley8(at)me(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Historical are so fun - I love learning!! truckredford(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I enjoyed this interesting Texas history! Thank you for sharing.

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Enjoyed reading about Texas history.
    dstevens310 at live . com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you. Very interesting reading part of your Texas History. I enjoy reading Civil War articles and this was very in
    formative.
    mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  7. WOW! What a contest. Lots of great prizes. I loved to read about the civil war when Texas fought for secession. I live down where the san Jacinto monument is located from one of out wars fought here. Also not far from ere is a huge statue of Sam Houston near the side of the highway. Also nearby we have The Batteship Texas
    I have learned a lot of our History from our authors. Laura, I was raised in a small town just 30 min. or so from Waco. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

    ReplyDelete
  8. I would like to read more about the Texas Civil War in your novel! Thanks for the contest! I really do like the new design of the website. sm wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Golden! Thanks for sharing this small bit of Texas history! I had no idea about any of it! And thanks for the chance to win one of your books!!
    kam110476 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for all of your comments on the blog. In my Civil War novel, His Steadfast Love, are many historical facts about the conflict in Texas which are not well-known, plus some better known facts as well.

    One thing I gained from writing the book was a better appreciation for President Lincoln. That God's hand was on him is obvious in looking at the decisions he made, his convictions, and the manner in which he led the country, despite severe criticism.

    Again thanks for entering the giveaway, and blessings to you all!

    ReplyDelete