Paula Mitchell Marks, professor of American Studies and director of the Master of Liberal Arts program at St. Edward’s, is one of several historians interviewed for a new two-hour History Channel documentary.

“Texas: Big America,” which premieres on Monday, July 12 at 7 p.m. (CST), takes viewers on a journey through the history of Texas while looking at the birth of the cattle industry, the discovery of oil and the rise of bustling cities. The documentary also features some of the most famous and colorful Texans, including Sam Houston, President Lyndon B. Johnson and members of the Bush family.

Marks, who was interviewed in her office at St. Edward’s earlier this year, discussed 19th-century history, particularly Anglo frontiers. A noted Texas historian and former consultant to The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, Marks has written numerous books about Texas and Western history. Co-authored with Frank de la Teja and Ron Tyler, Marks' newest title, "Texas: Crossroads of North America," chronicles the development of the political, economic and social identity of Texas.