The River That Made Texas

A Forgotten History of the Trinity

By Scot McFarlane | Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

About the book

Today, half of Texas’s expanding population, including the cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston, depends on the Trinity River, a river that has shaped the state’s politics, economy, and environment for centuries. From the prairies of North Texas to the Gulf of Mexico, the Trinity established Native nations, foiled Spanish and French imperialism, stood at the center of the Texas plantation system, and fueled the growth of the state’s largest cities.

In the first history of this vital river, historian Scot McFarlane illuminates how the Trinity has defined Texas history. Its floods enriched the soil and destroyed crops, its channel served as both a route and barrier to freedom, and its once-polluted waters now sustain a significant portion of the state. McFarlane’s captivating narrative brims with stories of the people who called the Trinity home over the centuries: the Comanche, steamboat pilots, enslaved and freed people, sharecroppers, inmates, and millions of urban residents. The result is a fresh perspective on economic development, slavery, and the environment—revealing the Trinity not as a backdrop to Texas history but as a force that shaped it.

Editions of The River That Made Texas

Hardcover
ISBN 9781469698359
Paperback
ISBN 9781469698366
EBook
ISBN 9781469692739
PDF
ISBN 9781469698373

Read an Excerpt

Today, half of Texas’s expanding population, including the cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston, depends on the Trinity River, a river that has shaped the state’s politics, economy, and environment for centuries. From the prairies of North Texas to the Gulf of Mexico, the Trinity established Native nations, foiled Spanish and French imperialism, stood at the center of the Texas plantation system, and fueled the growth of the state’s largest cities.

In the first history of this vital river, historian Scot McFarlane illuminates how the Trinity has defined Texas history. Its floods enriched the soil and destroyed crops, its channel served as both a route and barrier to freedom, and its once-polluted waters now sustain a significant portion of the state. McFarlane’s captivating narrative brims with stories of the people who called the Trinity home over the centuries: the Comanche, steamboat pilots, enslaved and freed people, sharecroppers, inmates, and millions of urban residents. The result is a fresh perspective on economic development, slavery, and the environment—revealing the Trinity not as a backdrop to Texas history but as a force that shaped it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The River That Made Texas about?

Today, half of Texas’s expanding population, including the cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston, depends on the Trinity River, a river that has shaped the state’s politics, economy, and environment for centuries. From the prairies of North Texas to the Gulf of Mexico, the Trinity established Native nations, foiled Spanish and French imperialism, stood at the center of the Texas plantation system, and fueled the growth of the state’s largest cities.

In the first history of this vital river, historian Scot McFarlane illuminates how the Trinity has defined Texas history. Its floods enriched the soil and destroyed crops, its channel served as both a route and barrier to freedom, and its once-polluted waters now sustain a significant portion of the state. McFarlane’s captivating narrative brims with stories of the people who called the Trinity home over the centuries: the Comanche, steamboat pilots, enslaved and freed people, sharecroppers, inmates, and millions of urban residents. The result is a fresh perspective on economic development, slavery, and the environment—revealing the Trinity not as a backdrop to Texas history but as a force that shaped it.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The River That Made Texas?

History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas

Where can I read a sample of The River That Made Texas?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469698359

How long is The River That Made Texas and how many pages does it have?

The River That Made Texas has 240 page(s)

Who is/are the Author/s of the book The River That Made Texas?

Scot McFarlane

Who is the Publisher of the book The River That Made Texas?

The University of North Carolina Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

The River That Made Texas is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469698359) and paperback(ISBN 9781469698366) and ebook(ISBN 9781469692739) and pdf(ISBN 9781469698373)

Where can I buy The River That Made Texas online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy The River That Made Texas?