by John Guthrie Ford
Trees were once plentiful on Mustang Island. When the Karankawa natives roamed the island from 1250-1830, they cut willow tree branches to make shelters called ba-aks. Compared to the people who came after them, the Karankawa were relatively easy on island trees. Beginning in 1838, some mainland cattle ranchers established satellite operations [...]
By John Guthrie Ford
This article features information from the Mercer Logs, a diary kept by the Robert Mercer family from 1866-1877.
Doing the same thing, day in and day out, can produce a condition known locally as island fever. It is treated by temporarily changing one’s routine. My interest in how Mustang Islanders dealt with island [...]
by John Guthrie Ford
This is another article in the Mercer Logs series. In previous History Corners, we have explored Mustang Island history from information I took from the 1866-1877 Mercer (family) Logs.
Today is “all logs day.” You will read materials directly from the logs. The materials teach a bit of island history, as well as [...]
by John Guthrie Ford
This article features historical information from the Mercer Logs, a diary kept by the Robert Mercer family from 1866-1877.
Life on Mustang Island 140 years ago can be described by activities falling in the broad areas of staples, ranch, maritime, community and off time. Terms from the logs are in quotations.
Staples. Acquiring basic [...]
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