First published in 1857, the Texas Almanac has a long history of chronicling the Lone Star State and its residents. The Almanac's 66th edition is printed in full color and includes hundreds of photographs from every region of the state. Color maps of the state and each of its 254 counties show relief, major and minor roads, waterways, parks, and other attractions. Each county map is accompanied by a profile outlining that county's history, physical features, recreation, population, and economy. Special features in the 66th Edition include:     • An article on the birth of the Austin music scene and the influence on it by legendary musician Willie Nelson, written by Nelson biographer Joe Nick Patoski. The Austin music scene is recognized worldwide through Austin City Limits, the longest running music program on American television.     • A history of the Civil War in Texas to mark the 150th year since the beginning of that conflict. Composed by Texana writer Mike Cox, the article highlights the unique aspects of the war in Texas, such as the Great Hanging at Gainesville and the Battle of Palmito Ranch.     • Newly released 2010 population figures.     • A complete history of voter turnout in Texas going back to 1866.     • A history of professional football in Texas.     • Comprehensive lists of high school football and basketball championships, Texas Olympians, and Texas Sports Hall of Fame inductees. The Texas Almanac 2012–2013 includes articles and data about:     • history and government     • population and demographics     • the natural environment     • sports and recreation     • business and transportation     • oil and minerals     • agriculture     • science and health     • education     • culture and the arts     • obituaries of notable Texans     • pronunciation guide to town and county names "For those who like the serendipity of browsing through a handsomely presented book, one that fits in the glove compartment or backpack, the published edition [of the Texas Almanac] offers its pleasures." — Mark Busby, coeditor, Texas Books in Review -- Mark Busby ― Texas Books in Review Published On: 2012-01-01 "It's good to have an official Texas Almanac. It settles arguments. . . . It amazes us with long-forgotten facts. . . . It reminds us of well-known, as well as not-so-known official facts about our state." — Rick Smith, San Angelo Standard-Times -- Rick Smith ― San Angelo Standard-Times Published On: 2009-11-17 " Texas Almanac is a full-service reference work on just about anything connected to the Lone Star State. At 736 pages . . . the almanac has 295 color maps (254 of those are of Texas' counties) and 342 color photographs." — Mike Cox, Texana writer -- Mike Cox ― Austin American-Statesman Published On: 2011-07-10 ELIZABETH CRUCE ALVAREZ is a journalist and editor who has worked in both newspaper and textbook publishing. She lives in Southlake, Texas. She has served as Texas Almanac editor since 2002. Journalist and editor ROBERT PLOCHECK is a native of Houston who was raised in Damon and now lives in Denton. He has worked as the Almanac's associated editor since 1994. Texas Almanac 2012–2013 By Elizabeth Cruce Alvarez Texas State Historical Association Copyright © 2012 Elizabeth Cruce Alvarez All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-87611-247-2 Contents TEXAS STATE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, INDEX OF MAPS & TABLES, STATE PROFILE, STATE FLAGS & SYMBOLS, HISTORY, ENVIRONMENT, WEATHER, ASTRONOMICAL CALENDAR, RECREATION, SPORTS, COUNTIES OF TEXAS, POPULATION, ELECTIONS, GOVERNMENT, STATE GOVERNMENT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT, FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, CRIME IN TEXAS 2010, CULTURE AND THE ARTS, HEALTH AND SCIENCE, EDUCATION, BUSINESS, TRANSPORTATION, AGRICULTURE, APPENDIX, CHAPTER 1 History The Civil War on the Home Front Willie Nelson and the Birth of the Austin Music Scene A Brief Sketch of Texas History By Mike Cox In a reflective mood, on Aug. 30, 1914, W.D. McDonald wrote a long letter to the Trenton Tribune, his old hometown newspaper in Fannin County. He noted it had been 54 years that month since his honorable discharge from Company C, First U.S. Cavalry, and 52 years since he enlisted in the Confederate Army to fight against some of the same men with whom he had once chased hostile Indians. Married Sept. 1, 1861—only four months into the Civil War—McDonald built a log cabin near Honey Grove and settled into domestic life. "We ... were happy," he wrote. "But listen, we hear patriotic men and women all over our Southland saying: 'Your homes are in danger of being destroyed.' I, with every fibre of my being going on to that six-months bride in love said, 'Here am I; send me.'" On Feb. 22, 1862, Mc-Donald enlisted in Company D, 16th Texas Cavalry, "and for three years and four months I did the best I could to protect that log cabin home and that wife." Unlike many thousands of Texans who fought for the South, McDonald survived unscathed.