Civil War and Revolution on the Rio Grande Frontier: A Narrative and Photographic History

A richly illustrated history, Civil War and Revolution on the Rio Grande Frontier contains more than 125 of the best images taken by Louis de Planque and other photographers, the vast majority having never been published. From numerous archives and private collections, these images include everything from the destruction following the killer hurricane of 1867 to gripping views of the heart-wrenching hanging of an American army deserter and three unfortunate followers of Cortina, who happened to get caught on the wrong side of the river. Also included are rare scenes of Brownsville, Matamoros, and vice-ridden Bagdad, as well as Juaristas, Imperialistas, Cortinistas, Confederates, Federals, Unionists, cotton traders, journalists, merchants, socialities, de Planque himself, and more than one bandit.
Accompanying these images is a comprehensive narrative that superbly chronicles the historic events that engulfed this raw and vast frontier during this tumultuous era. Representing a significant historical achievement, the book is prodigiously researched and detailed.

Jerry Thompson is Regents professor of history at Texas A&M International University at Laredo.