On the evening of June 29, 2023, history echoed through the old 300 room of the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site Museum. In an engaging and lively discussion that unfolded from 6 to 7 pm, Bryan McAuley, the Site Manager of the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site, interviewed Justice Ken Wise, a distinguished appointee to the Texas 14th Court of Appeals and the voice behind the popular podcast, “Wise About Texas.”

(If you would like to hear some of his podcasts you can find them on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, iHeart, TuneIn, and other platforms.  He also has a Patreon Account where you can help support his work and get special access to him with your monthly contribution.)

The evening took on a conversational format, allowing the audience an intimate look into the lives and deeds of some of Texas’s notable figures and events, revealed by two individuals deeply knowledgeable and passionate about Texas history.

McAuley, an expert in the field, initiated the conversation by exploring the histories of early Texas, emphasizing the county divisions, and the role waterways played in the journey of early settlers. His narrative provided an intriguing backdrop for the figure of Samuel Williams, a pivotal player in the founding and development of Austin’s colony.

Justice Wise, renowned for his podcast which captures the essence of Texas history, shared fascinating insights into Williams’ life. Despite his controversial past, Williams’ contribution to the administrative and entrepreneurial growth of the colony was profound. His influence, especially during the lead-up to the war, was evident in the numerous records and stories unearthed by Justice Wise.

A significant highlight of the discussion was the complex relationship between Williams and Stephen F. Austin. The audience learned of the fallout between the two pioneers when Austin was imprisoned in Mexico City, and the subsequent land grants given to revolutionaries. Justice Wise pointed to Williams’s undeniable role in the Texas Navy and his remarkable impact, visible even in current exhibits.

Turning their attention to Stephen F. Austin, the duo unraveled Austin’s political struggles, specifically around the conventions of 1832 and 1833. Austin was portrayed as a man morally and legally committed to the idea of nation-building in Texas. This belief, they explained, held him captive longer than most, until he realized its futility.

Following the conversation between McAuley and Wise, the audience was offered the opportunity to pose questions, bringing more depth and personal interaction to the event.

The evening closed with McAuley expressing optimism about the future of the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site. Despite the challenges in attracting visitors, McAuley remained confident that the site would grow as more people learn about its unique narrative and its ties to other famous Texas history sites like Alamo and Brazos.

The audience left not just with a deeper understanding of Texas history but also an invitation to be part of it. The doors of the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site Museum remain open to those eager to step into the stories of the past and the minds of those who shaped them.

June 29, 2023, marked an unforgettable evening for Texas history enthusiasts. The conversation between Bryan McAuley and Justice Ken Wise brought to life the narratives that have been buried in the annals of history, celebrating the people and the events that have shaped Texas into what it is today.