Gordon Pettey was born in the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches. He grew up seeped in the fascinating history of the local Tejas/Hasinai (Caddoan) Indians (for whom Texas is named), smugglers, the first Spanish who arrived there, their missions, the assorted Hispanic Creole who came after them and the brave old padres who brought civilization and Christianity to that part of the world. Because of his keen interest in this period of history, he studied over the years to become a foremost historian of that era, having written many published articles and several books on these subjects. He is an active member of the century old Texas State Historical Association. (http://www.tsha.utexas.edu).

Pettey studied at Stephen F. Austin University, Texas Womens University, North Texas University and Louisiana Baptist University. He received his doctorate having written his dissertation on the first Spanish in East Texas, beginning in 1690, who brought civilization to Texas.

Dr. Pettey also lived in Northern Italy for almost ten years. While there, he studied, traveled widely and pursued his interest in Etruscan-Roman, early Christianity and languages. He continues to write about various subjects, but primarily on the fascinating history of East Texas, where Texas began.