A Circle of Bayonets: A Brief History of the Lower Rio Grande 1819-1866

A Circle of Bayonets uncovers the dramatic, often violent forces that shaped the unique border culture of the Lower Rio Grande. From Caddo mound‑centers and the El Camino Real to the Fredonian rebellion, Cortina’s raids, and Civil War intrigue in Brownsville and Matamoros, this narrative follows the people who lived, fought, traded, and survived along a volatile frontier. Blending meticulous research with gripping storytelling, it reveals how local uprisings, smuggling networks, and shifting loyalties forged a borderland identity that still echoes today. A vivid, fast‑moving history for readers who want the human story behind the headlines of the Texas–Mexico border Read more