When the Colt Revolver came to Texas: The Life of Swante Magnus Swenson
According to the esteemed historian of Texas, Walter Prescott Webb, Colonel Swante Magnus Swenson (1816-1896), an immigrant from Sweden to the United States, was the first person to introduce the Colt revolver to Texas.
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The White House “Mystery” Meeting: Santa Anna meets Andrew Jackson, 1836-1837
The Texas Revolution beginning in the fall of 1835 achieved its goal of independence after defeating General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto April 21, 1836.
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Eric Bloodaxe (2): The Last King of Northumbria’s Ouster from Norway
In the spring of 935 Haakon amassed a large force at Trondheim to battle Eric, and Eric attempted to do the same but realized “the leading men left him” to support his younger brother.
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Eric Bloodaxe (1): The Last King of Northumbria’s Ouster from Norway
Eric “Bloodaxe” Haraldsson (c. 885-954), the last king of Northumbria – a realm the Vikings usurped after the invasion and conquest of much of England by the Great Heathen Army between the years 867 and 872AD, was one of Norwegian king Harald Fairhair’s many sons sired from nine wives.
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Mythology, Mead, and Mirth: Thor’s Drinking Bout with Loki in Jötunheim
According to the Edda, Thor and his companions came upon the massive castle one day with “a great hall” and entered it. Once inside, Loki “looked slowly on them, and smiled scornfully” before telling the travelers it was “‘late to ask tidings of a long way’” but that if they could perform some skillful feats, they would be allowed to stay the night
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