The ATPE Podcast: A New Look at the American Revolution for Texas Students

In this episode, ATPE offers educators a fresh, revolutionary lens for the classroom. Traditional lessons on the American Revolution focus on the 13 colonies, but a vital effort in the war for independence was thriving right here in Texas. This war effort relied upon the leadership of women ranchers in Spanish Texas. This special episode of The ATPE Podcast, originally a session at the 2026 ATPE Summit, uncovers the untold stories of the rancheras, who commanded vast cattle networks that fueled the war effort and were the unsung power brokers of the frontier.  

Our guest, Dr. Erika Arredondo-Haskins, is a 12th-generation Texan, historian, educator, and exhibit curator. She currently teaches Religious Studies at the University of Incarnate Word. Appointed by Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, Dr. Haskins is a member of the Bexar County Historical Commission. She is a scholar of women and young women’s leadership and early Texas history.

Want to learn more about the rancheras? The City of San Antonio Municipal Archives Museum is hosting a special exhibit curated by Arredondo Haskins through Dec. 31. Download this flyer to learn more and schedule visits, which are by appointment only.

Please note: If you are an ATPE member, you may log in to the ATPE Professional Learning Portal to watch a one-hour video version of this podcast and earn one hour of continuing professional education (CPE) credit, as well as access a comprehensive list of resources provided by Dr. Haskins. Search for “Rancheras” in the course catalog. CPE credit will only be awarded to those who watch the online course in the portal.

If you do not need CPE credit, please enjoy the audio at the top of this page or the video version of this podcast below.