The West Texas frontier—the area encompassing the region 
stretching from Fort Worth to the Caprock, from Palo Duro Canyon 
to the San Saba River—has been a crossroads of humanity for 
thousands of years. Each group of humans who trekked across its 
sun-drenched prairies had to contend with the challenges of life 
in an area that has always been a climatic, geographical, political, 
and cultural borderland. In addressing these challenges, the people 
of the frontier developed perseverance, toughness, and 
determination—all necessities for life on the Texas frontier.

    This book tells the epic story of this region and its many 
transitions throughout the centuries. It traces the struggles and 
triumphs of many groups as they tried to tame the region for their 
own purposes. Early humans hunted mammoths and other game in 
the region. Then came the Jumanos following the great bison herds, 
then the Apaches, the Comanches, the Spaniards, and the Texans. 
By 1845, with Texas' entrance into the United States, more formal 
efforts to tame the frontier brought forts and soldiers. Cattlemen 
and their herds shared the plains with the buffalo and the Plains 
Indians.

    Battles and ambushes, justice and injustice defined the 
struggle for the next several decades. The military abandoned the 
region during the Civil War, only to return with force upon its 
completion. The vast postwar expansion of the cattle industry and 
the systematic slaughter of the buffalo herds ensured that 
Americans would claim the region permanently and that the Plains 
Indians' dominance of the frontier had come to an end. By 1880 
barbed wire, windmills, railroads, and towns demonstrated that the 
frontier had been permanently transformed. 
 
_________________________________________________________

ROBERT F. PACE is chair of the History Department at McMurry 
University, and DONALD S. FRAZIER is a professor of history at 
McMurry. Frazier served as history consultant for Frontier Texas, an 
interactive historical attraction which opened this year in Abilene.



What people are saying about this book

". . . written in a lively style and is filled with interesting tidbits of 
Texas frontier history placed within a broader context. . . . Frontier 
Texas is an excellent read for all audiences. Academics should 
beware—this book makes history fun."—The Journal of Southern History

"Written in the best narrative tradition, Frontier Texas is full of good 
stories, wonderful yarns, and pleasing anecdotes. . . . [an] engaging 
and informative little book that will stand solidly on its own."—New 
Mexico Historical Review

". . . an excellent starting point for anyone interested in studying Texas 
history. . . . well written and easily understood, touching on the 
highlights with enough detail to keep the reader interested, but not too 
much as to bore them. The bibliography is useful for further exploration 
into Texas history and the index is handy when searching for specific 
names, places, or events."—West Texas Historical Association Year 
Book

". . . it reads like a novel. . . . This unusual and worthwhile little book 
will be enjoyed by those interested in frontier, military, and Indian War 
history and, of course, those interested in Texas."—The Journal of 
America's Military Past

". . . a lively narrative."—Southwestern Historical Quarterly

"Even if you consider yourself well-read on the subject of the frontier, 
this will still be an educational read, and an enjoyable one."—Quarterly 
of the National Association for Outlaw and Lawman History, Inc.

"a highly readable . . . and handsome volume for the bookshelf."
—Southwest Book Views

"One of the top hard-to-put-down frontier history books. . . . Thoroughly
readable, meticulously researched and smoothly written . . . a delight
to read."—Glenn M. Busset, The Manhattan Mercury

"A highly accessible history for lay readers and serious students
alike."—Midwest Book Review

Look for a review of this book in South Texas Traveler Magazine
(October 2004).

". . . a primer for a good overall glimpse of this fiery Western
frontier."—True West Magazine

". . . an engaging introduction to the region . . . lively and anecdote-
filled."—Fritz Lanham, Houston Chronicle

"The authors tell their colorful story with skill and enthusiasm. . . . 
It's history for those who love to read about how things really 
were."—Marie Beth Jones, The Brazosport Facts


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BUFFALO WAR

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CATTLE KINGS OF TEXAS

0-938349-45-7 PAPER

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INDIAN DEPREDATIONS

0-938349-75-9 HARDCOVER

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TEXAS INDIAN FIGHTERS

0-938349-05-8 HARDCOVER

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SATANTA

1-880510-55-3 CLOTH

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1-880510-56-1 PAPER

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BUFFALO HUNTERS

1-880510-19-7 PAPER

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BUFFALO DAYS

1-880510-95-2 CLOTH

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LIFE OF BILLY DIXON

0-938349-12-0 PAPER

$18.95