An Evaluation of Three Web Sites
• Portal to Texas History
The Portal to Texas History (http://texashistory.unt.edu/) provides visitors access to a wealth of information about Texas history, in a variety of different formats. Users can search for books, newspapers, photos and maps through a search box at the top of its main page. They may also choose to search “everything”. An “everything” searches for the term “Alamo” displays results including historic photos of the Alamo, recent pictures of its ruins, a map detailing the siege of the Alamo and newspapers from as far back as 1829. The web site’s smooth interface, fast loading times and provisions of such abundant primary source information make it an incredibly valuable resource for students …show more content…
Doing this provides users with graphic tiles, each representing an area of Texas history. Among the subjects presented are Arts and Crafts, Government and Law, Literature, Immigration, Military and War and Science and Technology. Clicking on "People" returns results for important Texans, ranging from Pat Boone to groups of pioneers.
One downside to searching this way is that some of the results don’t fall into the right category. Limiting one “people” search to the 1700s brought up maps instead. Nevertheless, searches are accurate, and the website remains an invaluable tool for those who are interested in Texas History.
• …show more content…
As one drives the horses – who are kicking up dust and clearly racing – another points a gun behind him, trying to protect his cargo. In the foreground, a mounted Native American warrior draws a bow, aiming it at the racing carriage. This picture gives readers a clear view of how risky it was to deliver the mail in the 1850s. It also gives them an idea of what the relationship between Native American tribes and settlers of European ancestry may have had. The site also provides visitors with a newspaper clipping from 1858, showing the time schedule of Overland Mail Company – a useful primary resource.
In addition to its description of the mail company, TexasHistory.com provides intimate descriptions of some of the towns the company serviced. This quote gives readers a feeling of what Preston was like in the 1850s and of the different stereotypes contemporaries had of both Native Americans and pioneers. TexasHistory.com is a valuable resource for students and researchers because it brings history to life.
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• Portal to Texas History
The Portal to Texas History (http://texashistory.unt.edu/) provides visitors access to a wealth of information about Texas history, in a variety of different formats. Users can search for books, newspapers, photos and maps through a search box at the top of its main page. They may also choose to search “everything”. An “everything” searches for the term “Alamo” displays results including historic photos of the Alamo, recent pictures of its ruins, a map detailing the siege of the Alamo and newspapers from as far back as 1829. The web site’s smooth interface, fast loading times and provisions of such abundant primary source information make it an incredibly valuable resource for students …show more content…
Doing this provides users with graphic tiles, each representing an area of Texas history. Among the subjects presented are Arts and Crafts, Government and Law, Literature, Immigration, Military and War and Science and Technology. Clicking on "People" returns results for important Texans, ranging from Pat Boone to groups of pioneers.
One downside to searching this way is that some of the results don’t fall into the right category. Limiting one “people” search to the 1700s brought up maps instead. Nevertheless, searches are accurate, and the website remains an invaluable tool for those who are interested in Texas History.
• …show more content…
As one drives the horses – who are kicking up dust and clearly racing – another points a gun behind him, trying to protect his cargo. In the foreground, a mounted Native American warrior draws a bow, aiming it at the racing carriage. This picture gives readers a clear view of how risky it was to deliver the mail in the 1850s. It also gives them an idea of what the relationship between Native American tribes and settlers of European ancestry may have had. The site also provides visitors with a newspaper clipping from 1858, showing the time schedule of Overland Mail Company – a useful primary resource.
In addition to its description of the mail company, TexasHistory.com provides intimate descriptions of some of the towns the company serviced. This quote gives readers a feeling of what Preston was like in the 1850s and of the different stereotypes contemporaries had of both Native Americans and pioneers. TexasHistory.com is a valuable resource for students and researchers because it brings history to life.
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