Why 'GTT'?
American Emigration to Texas
GTT is an abbreviation of "Gone To Texas", a phrase often used by Americans emigrating to Texas in the 1800s. History tells us much of this emigration was to escape debt or other obligations arising from the Panic of 1819 - the first peacetime collapse of the American economy, followed by crop failures and continued economic depression in the 1830s and 1840s, then the Civil War.
GTT painted, scrawled, or chalked onto abandoned cabin doors became a fairly common sight during this time. It carried two implied messages. First, the previous resident was not coming back. And, the cabin was freely available to the next person choosing to stay there.
Land of Opportunity
Texas was seen by many Americans as a land of opportunity. American emigration was encouraged by Mexican Empresarios. They would later come to regret how successful they were.
Those Americans escaping economic pressures saw Texas as a fresh start. Maybe we can graciously say this contributed to the independent outlaw spirit that seems to still exist in Texas today.
"...As for me, I'm going to Texas"
Davy Crockett lost his last campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee, In his disgust with the loss he told his constituents "Y'all can go to Hell. As for me, I'm going to Texas."
I'm fortunate enough to be a native Texan. Although, many of my ancestors were certainly some of those American emigrants, like Crockett, from Tennessee where I've been for the last 9 years.
Having recently sold the business we've built during my time here, it's our turn to say ...
Gone To Texas!