‘Texas Blood’ Tells The History Of The Borderlands In Seven Generations

Roger Hodge writes about the deep history of the borderlands, and the hardy folk who live there.

By Joy DiazOctober 30, 2017 2:59 pm

In his book, “Texas Blood,” Roger Hodge tells the stories of seven generations among the outlaws, ranchers, indians, missionaries, soldiers and smugglers of the Texas borderlands.

“This story really begins and ends on the Devil’s River, in west Texas, where my family has ranched for many generations,” Hodge says.

He looks at the rich ranching culture, that was eventually swept away by larger economic forces, and the often-ignored history of this quiet region.

Paintings and other relics of the area’s material culture, dating back 3000-4000 years are everywhere, Hodge says. Looking at the history of his home led him to think about the future of a subculture he has come to know.

“Looking at the border country now-a-days, the big question for the future is what happens to communities when law enforcement becomes the dominant industry,” Hodge says.

Learn more about Roger Hodge’s newest book in the player above.

 

Written by Nahila Bonfiglio.