A chronological narrative podcast by Justin Day
Texas,
from the beginning.
The people, cultures, conflicts, frontiers, disasters, victories, and contradictions that shaped Texas, told one chapter at a time.
From the ancient past to the modern age
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Latest chapterEpisode 18
The De Soto Expedition · Part VIII
The River That
Buried De Soto
His army survived Mabila. Then the winter camp went up in flames.
From Chicaza to the Mississippi and across Arkansas, De Soto keeps searching. Juan Ortiz dies, the route to the sea remains out of reach, and the river becomes the governor’s grave.
01
Start at the beginning
Every episode builds on the last, tracing the land's story in order rather than jumping between famous moments.
02
Go beyond the legend
Primary accounts, historical scholarship, and careful narrative bring the people behind the myths back into view.
03
Listen, watch, and read
Each episode has its own permanent written edition, organized chronologically with source notes and links to the podcast.
The story so far
Episode archive
Begin with Episode 1 or enter the story wherever you left off.
Justin Day
Creator and host
About the host
Howdy, I'm Justin Day.
I'm the creator and host of The History of Texas.
Texas history is often presented as a collection of famous moments: the Alamo, the Revolution, the cattle drives, without telling the centuries-long story that made those moments possible.
I wanted to create the show I couldn't find: one complete chronological narrative, beginning with the earliest people who lived on this land.
Based in North Texas, I independently research, write, record, and produce every episode. My goal is to tell these stories with the scale and humanity they deserve while making serious history accessible to anyone who wants to understand how Texas became Texas.
Independent Texas History
Researched. Written. Recorded. Produced in North Texas.
Keep the story moving
Help build an independent Texas history project.
Monthly supporters help cover research, recording, preservation, and the written archive. Members also receive early access and bonus Campfire Stories.
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