Mike Cox Books

Delve into San Antonio's wicked past, from the lawless lore of the Spanish settlement through the criminal misdeeds of the modern metropolis. Residents of the Alamo City tolerated scores of cockfighting pits, gambling joints, opium dens, around-the-clock saloons and other places of ill-repute. Some disturbers of San Antonio's peace, like Judge Roy Bean, left town to achieve greater notoriety elsewhere. Others, like the thief who stole the McFarlin diamond, seemed to vanish into thin air. But all of them left a page-turning story behind. Mike Cox catalogues San Antonio's most infamous incidents and miscreants.

The book explores the rich history of the Texas Rangers, tracing their origins from Stephen F. Austin's 1823 proposal to hire rangers for defense. It highlights significant landmarks across Texas, including the Alamo and lesser-known sites, where these legendary lawmen made their mark. Historian Mike Cox uncovers both the historical significance and the captivating tales associated with the Rangers, revealing a deeper understanding of their role in shaping Texas history.

The exploration and settlement of the American West is vividly captured through the lives of iconic figures in this collection. It features early pathfinders like Zebulon Pike and Lewis and Clark, gold rush pioneers, and legendary lawmen such as Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill Hickok. The narrative also revisits significant events with George Armstrong Custer and John Wesley Powell, while cultural icons like Mark Twain and Buffalo Bill contribute to the enduring legend. This book brings to life the stories of those who shaped the American frontier.

The book delves into the history and development of the Texas Rangers, offering insights into their origins and evolution. Mike Cox, a Texas writer and historian, presents a detailed account that captures the essence of this iconic law enforcement agency, highlighting significant events and figures that shaped its legacy. Through thorough research and engaging storytelling, the narrative provides a captivating look at the Rangers' role in Texas history and their impact on the state's culture.

The Lone Star statehouse, an iconic Texas landmark, is steeped in a tumultuous history marked by election rigging, an unsolved murder, and pre-dedication blackmail. Mike Cox explores its fascinating past, highlighting key events such as the first meeting between LBJ and Lady Bird, alongside peculiar moments like a resolution honoring the Boston Strangler. The book delves into the capitol's ghost stories, public art, and collectible tourist kitsch, uncovering a treasure trove of untold stories that shape its legacy in Texas lore.

The book delves into the history and evolution of the Texas Rangers, highlighting their pivotal role in shaping and stabilizing Texas. Through the lens of journalist Cox, readers gain insight into the Rangers' origins and their influence on the state's development, offering a compelling narrative of a legendary law enforcement agency.

While there are assorted storytelling guidebooks related to various categories of Wild West-related historic sites (the Oregon Trail, Custer, the Indian wars in general, ghost towns, etc.) there is no one-stop-shopping spot for ALL categories of Wild West-related historic sites.

Fascination with disasters and survival stories is explored through nineteen true accounts that shaped Texas history. Mike Cox vividly recounts catastrophic events, including the 1554 Spanish fleet stranding, the devastating 1867 Yellow Fever epidemic, and the infamous 1900 Galveston hurricane. Other notable tales include the 1912 railroad boiler disaster and the mysterious disappearance of the SS Marine Sulphur Queen in 1963. These narratives serve as a chilling reminder of nature's powerful, often deadly forces and the resilience of those affected.

Exploring the Texas Panhandle reveals a rich tapestry of unique history and colorful anecdotes. The narrative includes intriguing tales such as a duck inciting a gun battle and Kate Polly's pancake flipping that proved life-saving. Readers will also discover Gene Autry's performances in Childress and the lesser-known "gold rush" of Palo Duro Canyon. Historian Mike Cox presents these captivating stories, showcasing the region's distinctive ranch land, oil fields, and windy plains.

Focusing on the Big Bend region, this collection of Texas history columns by Mike Cox delves into local tales, including ghost towns, soldiers, and historical landmarks. It highlights folklore and infamous stories, offering readers a rich tapestry of the area's history as featured in various Texas newspapers and Texasescapes.com.