Every November, the U.S. celebrates National Native American Heritage Month, honoring the culture and history of Indigenous people across the country. The month of commemoration began in 1990, when President George H.W. Bush issued a proclamation that designated November as the time when “Americans of all ages recognize the many outstanding achievements of this country’s original inhabitants and their descendants.”

In May 1974, when Texas Highways was first made available to the public, the entire issue was devoted to Native Americans in the state. In one feature, we explored the history of Native Texans—from the arrival of the Spaniards in the 17th century to the last big battle over tribal lands in 1874. There was also a photo essay of the Alabama and Coushatta tribes dancing to retain their identity and culture.

That issue set a standard for covering the state’s Indigenous roots that Texas Highways strives to maintain to this day. Recent stories include a dive into Indigenous food traditions by Robyn Ross and writer-at-large ire’ne lara silva’s personal journey traveling El Camino Real de los Tejas. This year, W.K. Stratton visited the Comanche Medicine Mounds near Quanah, named for the legendary Comanche leader Quanah Parker; writer-at-large John Nova Lomax documented the revitalization efforts of the Karankawa tribe; and associate editor Julia Jones covered the native tradition of making baskets with pine needles.

Keep these stories in mind as you celebrate National Native American Heritage Month. And let us know if there are any other stories needing to be told about Native Texans by sending a note to letters@texashighways.com.

The Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport once had the longest runway in the nation because it was the first all-jet mechanic training base. Today, it is the seventh-longest civilian runway.