On this day, February 6, 1879, history was made when The Texan, the first Czech newspaper in Texas, was printed. Published by E. J. Glueckman, this weekly periodical marked the beginning of a proud tradition of Czech journalism in the Lone Star State. Though The Texan, later renamed Slovan, ceased publication in the late 1880s, it paved the way for over 30 Czech newspapers and periodicals that followed. These publications, along with societies and festivals, highlight the deep and lasting influence of Czech heritage in Texas.
Czech immigrants began arriving in Texas in the early 1850s, inspired by glowing accounts of freedom and fertile land written by Josef Arnost Bergmann, often called the father of Czech immigration to Texas. This wave of newcomers reached its peak before World War I, with over 15,000 foreign-born Czechs calling Texas home. They brought with them a unique culture, language, and traditions that have since been woven into the fabric of Texas history. Can anyone say Kolaches?? Today, scholars estimate that the number of Texans of Czech descent ranges between 150,000 and 225,000, a testament to the enduring strength of this community.
The legacy of Czech journalism in Texas continued for more than a century after The Texan’s debut. The last exclusively Czech-language newspaper, Našinec (Fellow Countrymen), was first printed in Hallettsville in 1914 and later moved to Granger, where it was published until June 2018. Though exclusively Czech papers are no longer printed in Texas, the rich cultural contributions of Czech Texans remain vibrant and celebrated across the state.
More information:
Article on Našinec Ending Publication