Blog
Honky-Tonk Heaven: Bandera, Texas
Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar Saloon in Bandera, Texas, embodies the spirit of Texas Hill Country, country music, and Western culture. Established in the 1920s, it became a hub for honky-tonk music under Arkey Juenke in 1968. Hosting legends like Willie Nelson and George Strait, its rustic charm, rich history, and vibrant atmosphere make it a timeless haven for music lovers and cowboys alike.
Cowboys and Camels?
The U.S. Army Camel Corps experiment at Camp Verde, Texas, introduced camels to the American West in the mid-1800s to address challenges of westward expansion. Despite their transport efficiency, camels were unpopular due to their smell and behavior. The Civil War ended the experiment, but the camels’ legacy includes wild herds, historical inspiration, and the enduring legend of the ghostly “Red Ghost.”
The Pioneer Women of Bandera, Texas: Inspiration for The Wretched and Undone by J. E. Weiner
"The Pioneer Women of Bandera, Texas: Inspiration for The Wretched and Undone by J. E. Weiner" highlights the courageous women who defied traditional roles to shape the American West. Drawing from J. Marvin Hunter's 1922 oral histories, it features stories of women like Constantina Adamietz and Martha "Mattie" Jones, who faced hardships, fear, and isolation but also found moments of joy. These narratives inspired characters in Weiner's novel, honoring the resilience of Bandera's pioneer women.