The Big Bend: A History of the Last Texas Frontier [Paperback]

Ron Tyler PhD (Author)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Ron C. Tyler is the executive director of the Texas State Historical Association

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: TAMU Press (March 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890967067
• ISBN-13: 978-0890967065
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #215,573 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The essential Big Bend reference, December 9, 1998

By 

Bill Wright "Bill Wright" (Abilene, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Big Bend: A History of the Last Texas Frontier (Paperback)

Ron Tyler's seminal work on the Big Bend of Texas is required reading for anyone who plans a trip to the "Texas Outback". This enchanting out-of-the-way part of Texas has invited explorers and adventurers for years and Tyler's historical treatment brings all the mystery and drama of the region to the surface for the modern traveler. The maps and historical photographs blend with the text to give the reader a "sense of place" that separates the Big Bend area from other southwestern landscapes. A must read for anyone interested in the remote lands of North America.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A solid, authoritative history of Big Bend, December 26, 2004

By 

Smallchief - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Big Bend: A History of the Last Texas Frontier (Paperback)

The Big Bend region of Texas is one of the most remote and least populated areas of the United States. From the center of Big Bend National Park at The Basin it is more than 100 miles by road to the nearest Supermarket in Alpine.

The author has compiled an authoritative history of the sparsely-populated Big Bend. The prose is scholarly rather than poetic, but the story is fascinating. Included in the book are maps, old photographs, a listing and description of historic sites, a thorough bibliography, extensive notes, and an index.

The Spaniard Cabeza de Vaca and his colleagues probably passed through the Big Bend in the 1530s; and the Spanish conquest began in 1580. Later the tide was turned as the Apaches and Comanches in the 18th and 19th century depopulated the Big Bend with their constant raids on Mexican settlements. In the 19th century the "gringos" arrived at the Big Bend and established ranches, mines, and wax factories -- the wax coming from the candelilla plant. One of the most interesting sections of the book concerns the conflict between Mexican revolutionaries and bandits and the U.S army in the early part of the 20th century during the era of Pancho Villa. The book concludes with the creation of Big Bend National Park in 1955.

The Big Bend is a tough country with a colorful history and this book is worth reading, especially if you plan to visit Big Bend National Park.

Smallchief

5.0 out of 5 stars The Big Bend: A History of the Last Texas Frontier, January 11, 2012

By 

dawana vrana - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Big Bend: A History of the Last Texas Frontier (Paperback)

We really like this book.
The pictures are beautiful.
The book offer historical information
as well as how Big Bend is changing.
I would recommend it to outdoor lovers
and those who enjoy Texas history.