It's all Trew: Everyone was GTT: Gone to Texas

A special treat awaits historical readers who purchase the book "Going To Texas - Five Centuries of Texas Maps" by the Center For Texas Studies at Texas Christian University. It is published by TCU Press, Fort Worth. Five centuries means 500 years and that's a long time. The state's boundaries changed so many times during this span of time more than 50 maps were needed to show all the changes in the evolution of our Grand State. The text describing the maps alone is worth the price of the book. During one span from 1800 to 1900, the most famous initials in America was GTT, which stood for "Gone to Texas." It seemed that no matter where you lived, where you were going or the route you took part of your journey would probably go through Texas. Whether you were seeking "The Promised Land" or were just curious about "The Great Space of Land Unknown," travelers listened to the land promoters and read the newspapers as they sought a better life for themselves and their families. No doubt many were dedicated to seeking a better life and fortune for their families as they broached the Great Unknown. However, many were merely struck with wanderlust, bored with their drab, harsh lives and responsibilities. Like the earlier Gold Strike Days in California or the later Great Land Run in Oklahoma, they were easily lured with vague promises of a pot at the end of the rainbow. When they left, the excuse was left written somewhere ... GTT...Amarillo Globe-News