ADVERTISEMENT

Texas

Largest state in South Central US

Texas, the Lone Star State, is the second-largest US state by area and population. It was once an independent republic and joined the US in 1845. Texas has a diverse economy with major industries including oil, cattle, and technology. It leads in various sectors and has the most Fortune 500 company headquarters in the US. The state boasts diverse landscapes and major urban regions like Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston.

Related

Texas Instruments Lloyd Austin Mexican Revolution James K. Polk American Civil War Telephone Dallas Mavericks American Airlines John Tyler Duke University

Timeline

Álvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca Returns to Mexico City

In 1536, Spanish soldiers returned Álvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca to Mexico City after several years of captivity among various Texas American Indian tribes. His detailed diary became a valuable primary source for understanding the early life and peoples of Texas.

Publication of The Narrative of Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca

In 1542, Álvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca published his memoirs, The Narrative of Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, after returning to Spain. The memoirs provided insights into his harrowing experiences as a captive slave and his encounters with Texas American Indians.

Establishment of Catholic missions in Texas by Spain

From 1716 to 1789, Spain initiated the establishment of Catholic missions in Texas, including the towns of San Antonio, Goliad, and Nacogdoches. One of these missions, San Antonio de Valero, later became known as The Alamo.

Founding of San Antonio

On May 1, 1718, the Spanish established a mission-presidio complex midway between the Rio Grande Valley and East Texas, founding the city of San Antonio. The mission of San Antonio de Valero, later known as the Alamo, was relocated to its current location in 1724.

Comanche Peace Treaty with Spanish

In 1785, the Comanche agreed to a peace treaty with the Spanish, allowing Spaniards to travel through their lands. Spain offered assistance to the Comanche in their conflict with the Apache, leading to 30 years of peace. The Comanche emerged as a dominant force in trade and warfare in the region.

From Austin to Texas

In 1820, Moses Austin secured permission to settle 300 Anglo American families in Texas, but his plans were carried out by his son, Stephen F. Austin, after Moses' death. Stephen F. Austin renegotiated the grant and began bringing settlers to Texas in December 1821.

Stephen F. Austin Hires Texas Rangers for Defense

On August 4, 1823, the Mexican government informed Stephen F. Austin that it would not provide resources to administer or defend the Tejas colonies. Austin then hired ten men to act as rangers for defense, marking the beginning of the Texas Rangers.

Mexico Wins Independence from Spain; Austin Founds New Colony

In the period between 1820 and 1824, Mexico gained independence from Spain. During this time, Stephen F. Austin also established a new colony in Texas, contributing to the region's development and growth.

Declaration of Independence of Fredonia signed

The Declaration of Independence of the republic of Fredonia is signed at Nacogdoches, marking the Fredonian Rebellion led by empresario Haden Edwards in an attempt to separate his colony from Mexico.

Battle of Gonzales

On October 2, 1835, Texans successfully repelled Mexican cavalry troops at the Battle of Gonzales, marking the beginning of the Texas Revolution.

Battle of the Alamo

In February 1836, the Alamo became a fortress for rebel fighters and a hiding place for women and children of San Antonio. After a twelve-day siege, the compound was overrun by Mexican forces, resulting in a bloody battle and significant damage to the site.

Texas Declaration of Independence

On March 2, 1836, 58 delegates at Washington-on-the-Brazos signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of the Republic of Texas. The document outlined the reasons for separating from Mexico and establishing Texas as an independent nation.

Battle of the Alamo

The 13-day siege of the Alamo by Mexican troops led by Santa Anna ends with a battle where all remaining defenders are killed.

Battle of San Jacinto

Texans under Sam Houston defeated the Mexican forces of Santa Anna, securing independence in a pivotal battle.

Texas becomes the 28th state of the United States

U. S. President James Polk fulfilled his promise to annex Texas by signing legislation that officially made Texas the 28th state of the United States.

Transfer of Texas Republic to United States

On February 19, 1846, in Austin, Texas, the Texas Republic's president formally transferred power to the new governor of the U.S. state of Texas. The Texas Republic officially became part of the United States. The transfer, welcomed by the majority of Texans, was the culmination of years of negotiation and effort.

Mexican-American War

The Mexican-American War began due to disputes over Texas boundaries, resulting in fixing Texas' southern boundary at the Rio Grande River.

Annexation of Texas to the United States

After a decade of independence from Mexico, Texas was annexed to the United States during President James Polk's administration following a lengthy diplomatic process.

Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo

The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, signed on February 2, 1848, marked the end of the U.S.-Mexican War and resulted in Mexico ceding a significant amount of territory to the United States, including present-day Texas.

Texas Secession from the Union

On February 1, 1861, Texas seceded from the Federal Union after a 171 to 6 vote by the Secession Convention. Governor Sam Houston was among the minority who opposed secession.

Battle of Galveston

The Battle of Galveston on January 1, 1863, restored the island to Texas control after weeks of Federal occupation, lasting for the remainder of the Civil War.

Battle of Palmito Ranch

The last battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Palmito Ranch, was fought in Texas on May 12, 1865, involving the 2nd Texas Cavalry Battalion (U.S.).

Battle of Palmito Ranch

On May 13, 1865, the Battle of Palmito Ranch in far south Texas became the last land engagement of the Civil War, occurring after Gen. Lee's surrender at Appomattox, VA.

Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It is celebrated on June 19th each year, marking the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free. The holiday celebrates freedom, achievement, and African American culture.

Texas Readmitted to the Union

After meeting the conditions set during Reconstruction, including nullifying acts of secession, abolishing slavery, and ratifying the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, Texas was readmitted to the United States by President Ulysses S. Grant.

Start of the Red River War

The U.S. Army initiated the Red River War campaign on June 1, 1874, aiming to relocate Comanche, Kiowa, Southern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes from the southwest plains to reservations in Indian Territory. Led by Comanche Chief Quanah Parker, the tribes engaged in battles against the Army in the Texas panhandle around the Red River.

Second Battle of Adobe Walls

During the winter of 1873‒1874, Southern Plains Indians, led by Isa-tai and Quanah Parker, launched an attack on buffalo hunters at Adobe Walls in the Texas Panhandle. This event marked the beginning of the Red River War.

Adoption of Present Texas Constitution

The current Texas Constitution was adopted on February 15, 1876, shaping the governance and legal framework of the state.

One Riot, One Ranger

In 1896, the Texas Legislature banned prizefighting, leading to the famous incident where Ranger Captain Bill McDonald single-handedly intervened to stop the Fitzsimmons-Maher fight in Langtry. This event gave rise to the iconic slogan 'One Riot, One Ranger'.

Galveston hit by a hurricane

In 1900, Galveston, Texas, was devastated by a hurricane that resulted in the loss of thousands of lives.

Spindletop Gusher

On January 10, 1901, the Spindletop gusher blew in near Beaumont, Texas, changing the state forever. Wildcatter Anthony F. Lucas was proven right about the oil reserves under the salt dome as the gusher shot a tower of pure crude 100 feet in the air.

Slocum Massacre

The Slocum Massacre took place on July 29, 1910, in Slocum, Texas, where white residents attacked African American neighborhoods due to rumors of an uprising. The violence resulted in the deaths of at least six African Americans, with estimates suggesting up to 100 casualties. The attackers were never prosecuted, leading to a significant exodus of African Americans from Anderson County.

Texas Approves 19th Amendment

On June 28, 1919, Texas became the first state to approve the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote in national elections. This was a pivotal moment in the fight for women's suffrage.

London Consolidated School explosion in Rusk County

A massive explosion caused by a natural-gas leak beneath the London Consolidated School building in Rusk County resulted in the tragic deaths of 311 individuals, including students and teachers. This led to the implementation of adding a malodorant to odorless gas for easier leak detection.

Texas City disaster with SS Grandcamp and SS High Flyer explosions

The French-owned SS Grandcamp, carrying ammonium nitrate, exploded in the Texas City harbor on April 16, 1947, followed by the SS High Flyer explosion the next morning. These tragic events resulted in nearly 600 fatalities, over 4,000 injuries, and a 15-foot tidal wave.

Mildred Ella "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias Co-founds LPGA

Mildred Ella "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias, a legendary Texas athlete, co-founded the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) in 1950. She was a versatile athlete who excelled in various sports before focusing on golf, where she won 82 tournaments at both amateur and professional levels.

Texas Laws Encouraging School Districts to Resist Integration

In 1957, Texas passed laws that encouraged school districts to resist federally ordered integration, following the defiance of Mansfield in desegregating their schools. This legislation had a significant impact on the segregation policies in the state.

Assassination of President John F. Kennedy

On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, a tragic event that shocked the nation.

Election of George H.W. Bush as President

Houstonian George H.W. Bush is elected as the President of the United States in the 1988 election.

Lynching of James Byrd

James Byrd, Jr., an African American man, was horrifically lynched by three white supremacists in Jasper, TX on June 7, 1998. This tragic event marked a dark moment in modern Texas history and led to significant legislative changes.

Governor Abbott Declares State of Disaster in Texas

On March 13, 2020, Governor Abbott declared a state of disaster for all counties in Texas due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency powers were invoked, and various restrictions were put in place.

End of the Timeline
Texas

Popular

French professional footballer for Paris Saint-Germain and France.

Short-form video hosting service

TikTok

American multinational technology company

American Chinese fast food chain

Non-Cooperation Movement

Gandhi's non-cooperation movement for Indian self-governance

ADVERTISEMENT

Recently Added

Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.

English professional football club in Brighton and Hove

Professional football club in West London

Burnley F.C. is a football club in Lancashire

A.F.C. Bournemouth

Football club with roots dating back to 1890

Gustave Courbet

French Realism painter and innovator

ADVERTISEMENT