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Lone Star Navy: Texas, the Fight for the Gulf of Mexico, and the Shaping of the American West | 
 enlarge | Author: Jonathan W. Jordan
Publisher: Potomac Books Inc.
Category: Book
List Price: $21.95
Buy New: $13.65
You Save: $8.30 (38%)
New (18) Used (3) from $12.97
Rating:  3 reviews
Sales Rank: 531711
Media: Paperback
Pages: 397
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.4
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 6 x 1.4
ISBN: 1597970530
Dewey Decimal Number: 976.4
EAN: 9781597970532
ASIN: 1597970530
Publication Date: January 15, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Condition: Book and cover in mint condition
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Product Description
Lone Star Navy tells the story of a little fleet of wooden warships, bought on credit by an impoverished band of revolutionaries and sent to sea on a single mission: to win Texas s independence from Mexico. In this thoroughly researched and highly entertaining account, Jonathan W. Jordan recounts the improbable story of how the Texas navy helped the short-lived Republic of Texas break away from Mexico and change the course of history in the American West.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Facinating reading of an overlooked bit of history March 2, 2006
Hal C. Elrod (Houston, TX USA)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
The Texas navy rarely gets more than a page or two in even the most comprehensive Texas histories. But Jonathan Jordan makes a compelling case that it was in fact the damage to Mexican supply lines done by the tiny fighting Republic fleet that forced a withdrawal after the battle of San Jacinto, and thus turned the strategic tide.
The rich cast of historical characters described here are fascinating and sometimes hilarious, from the rogue Secretary of the Navy who essentially stole the fleet for a filibustering expedition, to a never-ending run of drunken gun-toting foul-mouthed salty sea captains. Key are Sam Houston, whose bravery and decisiveness in leading the new Republic was matched only by his ignorance of sea power, and Commodore Edwin Moore, a true hero who fought budget cutters and frigates with equal aplomb only to cross swords with the aforementioned President.
I loved this book. From a sliver of time it tells an arresting story with crisp description, page-turning narrative and wry wit. You can't ask for more from a history.
A fleet built on credit and little-known March 13, 2006
D. Donovan, Editor/Sr. Reviewer (California, USA)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Jonathan W. Jordan's LONE STAR NAVY: TEXAS, THE FIGHT FOR THE GULF OF MEXICO, AND THE SHAPING OF THE AMERICAN WEST analyzes the role played by a fleet of wooden warships who in the 1830s led a revolt by transplanted Americans against Texas' rulers in Mexico City. The 'fleet' was bought on credit and sent overseas by an improvised band of revolutionaries, basically saving Texas from Mexico, and accomplishing it on a shoestring. The navy went on to become the focal point of various clashes: LONE STAR NAVY is packed with action and insights on a little-covered group.
 Lone Star Navy by Jordan April 18, 2008
W. Howard (Houston)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
The times were turbulent, as were the seas. Jordan, a lawyer by day in Atlanta, writes comprehensively and readably. This volume should remain a mainstay for a long time. He treats the revolutionary background and the privateers with their letters of marque and reprisal to avoid the label of pirate, as well as the establishment, disestablishment, re-establishment, and subsequent transferal of the Navy to the United States.
The story is filled with genuine, personal details as well as nautical lessons made easier by his clear, deliberate approach for landlubbers. It seems there were at the time personality clashes, insubordination, and greed, in addition to sacrifice, friendship, and loyalty in the name of patriotism and maritime reality. Throughout, the influences of Mexican, English, and French foreign powers, the marines, the enabling and disabling politics and court proceedings, and the occasional pirate highlight the depth of the Navy's life.
The often effective navy's role in securing Texas liberty is strategically and tactically addressed.
Thirty portraits, maps, and facsimiles add a visual component. Jordan's extensive bibliography of primary and secondary sources is a starting point for any future historian.
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