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.
Ancient Puebloans in Hueco Mountains near El Paso held ceremonies in caves, believing them to be portals to a watery underworld. Artifacts like bracelets and pendants found in Ceremonial Cave indicate extensive trade routes among diverse communities.
Beginning at least 2,000 years ago near El Paso, ancient Puebloans conducted ceremonies in a cave, believing it to be a portal to a watery underworld. Artifacts found in Ceremonial Cave, such as a bracelet and pendants made of shells from distant coastal areas, indicate extensive trade routes.
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The Caddo people, known for their agriculture-based lifestyle, lived in villages with earthen mounds and large plazas. The Spanish word 'Tejas' is derived from the Caddo word meaning 'those who are friends,' giving Texas its name.
The Antelope Creek people inhabited present-day Texas panhandle, practicing horticulture and bison hunting in pueblo-like villages. Extensive trade and sudden departure around 1450 suggest factors like drought, disease, or conflicts with Apaches.
Historians believe Lipan Apache migrated to Texas from Canada between 1000 and 1400. Their settlement in Texas by the 1600s, alongside the Mescalero Apache, influenced trade and territorial dynamics among the region's tribes.
In 1519, Spanish explorer Alonso Alvarez de Pineda created the first known map of the Texas coastline.
Alonso Álvarez de Pineda, on an expedition for the governor of Jamaica, Francisco de Garay, in 1520, became the first European to see Texas. He created the first map of the northern Gulf Coast during his search for a passage between the Gulf of Mexico and Asia.
In 1528, Spanish explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca encountered the Karankawa tribe when he washed up on a Galveston beach. This event marked the first recorded meeting between Europeans and Texas American Indians, as documented in Cabeza de Vaca's diary.
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.
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.
In 1543, the Hernando de Soto expedition entered Texas from the east, becoming the first Europeans to visit the Caddo peoples. The expedition turned back to the Mississippi River after leaving Caddo territory and finding nomadic tribes without food stores to sustain the Spanish.
In 1581, Franciscans traveling through La Junta performed the first Catholic mass in Texas.
On April 30, 1598, Juan de Oñate and his expedition, along with natives of the region, held a ceremony of thanksgiving near present-day El Paso. The event included a feast with Spaniards providing game, Indians supplying fish, Franciscan missionaries celebrating mass, and Oñate claiming land for King Philip II of Spain.
By 1610, Spanish conquistadors had set up a capital in Santa Fe and began efforts to convert Native Americans to Christianity and Spanish culture. Franciscan friars were tasked with establishing missions, with some priests venturing into West Texas from the pueblos of New Mexico.
In 1629, the Spanish revisited the Jumano people, who had been trading partners with the Spanish for centuries. This encounter marked a continuation of the relationship between the Spanish and the Jumano in the region.
In 1632, Fray Juan de Salas and Fray Diego León became the first Spanish missionaries in Texas. They established a mission near present-day San Angelo to evangelize the Jumanos, but had to abandon it after six months due to lack of supplies and defense.
The La Junta Mission was established in 1670 in Texas.
The Tigua tribe built the Ysleta Mission in El Paso in 1682, which is one of the longest continually occupied religious buildings in the United States.
In 1685, Robert Cavelier, Sieur de LaSalle founded Fort St. Louis at Matagorda Bay, which laid the foundation for France's claim to Texas. However, two years later, LaSalle was killed by his own men.
In 1689, Alonso de Leon led an expedition to Fort St. Louis in Texas, only to find it deserted. The fort, established in 1685 by Robert Cavelier de La Salle, was a significant site during the French colonization of Texas.
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.
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.
In June 1719, seven Frenchmen from Natchitoches seized control of the mission San Miguel de los Adaes from its defender, leading to the Spanish colonists fleeing to San Antonio due to the War of the Quadruple Alliance.
In the 1730s, ranching in Texas began near San Antonio and Goliad as individual ranchers gained prominence with generous land grants from the Spanish Crown, following the decline of missions in the region.
In the first election held in Texas, voters choose officials of the municipal government of San Fernando.
In 1743, the Comanche tribe played a significant role in the history of Texas, impacting various aspects of the region's development and interactions with other groups.
The missions at San Antonio are producing several thousand pounds of cotton annually.
In 1749, there was a peace agreement between the Apache and Spanish forces. This event marked a significant diplomatic development in the region, potentially impacting the interactions between various indigenous groups and European colonizers.
Santa Cruz de San Sabá mission near present-day Menard is destroyed and eight residents are killed by Comanches and their allies.
In 1762, France ceded all of Louisiana west of the Mississippi River to Spain, relinquishing their claim to Texas as part of the treaty to end the Seven Years' War. This led to the closure of Los Adaes and the relocation of its residents.
Due to British colonial expansion, the Alabama and Coushatta Tribes migrated from Alabama to Big Thicket in Texas, eventually moving into Spanish Texas by 1780.
Texas' first recorded hurricane strikes near Galveston.
In 1779, the trade ban between Texas and Louisiana was lifted, allowing Spanish ranchers to drive their cattle into the French territory of Louisiana along the Old San Antonio Road. This led to increased profitability in ranching and the emergence of New Orleans as a major market for ranchers.
Shortly after lifting the trade ban in 1779, the Spanish colonial government reversed their decision due to increased smuggling. Despite the ban, illicit trade with Louisiana continued, with ranchers and missionaries uniting against Spain's trade regulations.
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.
In January 1790, the Comanche assisted the Spanish in a battle against the Mescalero and Lipan Apaches at Soledad Creek west of San Antonio. The Apaches were defeated, leading to a decrease in raids.
In 1793, mission San Antonio de Valero was secularized, marking the beginning of the end for the missions in San Antonio. The following year, the remaining missions were partially secularized.
In 1795, ranchers were no longer required to pay the Mustang Fund taxes and were given a tax-free year to round up and brand wild livestock, leading to increased transportation of cattle to markets in Louisiana and northern Mexico for trade.
In 1807, Cherokees were first reported in Texas as they established a village on the Red River, seeking refuge from American expansion. Spanish authorities in Nacogdoches approved their settlement to use them as a buffer against further American expansion.
On August 8, 1812, the Gutierrez-Magee Expedition, comprising around 130 men, crossed the Sabine River from Louisiana in a rebellion against Spanish authority in Texas.
In the bloodiest battle ever fought on Texas soil, the Battle of Medina, a Spanish royalist force defeated a republican force fighting for Mexican independence. There were 1,300 soldiers killed in the battle, which occurred 20 miles south of San Antonio.
The Spanish government allows Moses Austin to create a settlement of Anglo-Americans in the Texas area. After his death, his son Stephen F. Austin continues the colonization efforts.
On March 27, 1817, the last Spanish governor of Texas was appointed. This event marked the end of Spanish colonial rule in Texas as it transitioned towards Mexican control.
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.
Mexican officials approve Stephen F. Austin's proposal to bring three hundred families to settle along the Brazos River, forming the group known as the 'Old Three Hundred'.
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.
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.
An Irish trader officially becomes a citizen by taking an oath.
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.
In 1828, tensions were rising in Texas as a result of the Fredonian Rebellion and the restrictions on immigration imposed by Mexico, foreshadowing future conflicts in the region.
President Vincente R. Guerrero issued a decree on September 15, 1829, which aimed to abolish slavery throughout the Republic of Mexico. This decree caused concern among Anglo settlers in Texas, leading to petitions to exempt Texas from the law and sowing the seeds of revolution.
On September 25, 1829, the first issue of the Texas Gazette was published in San Felipe de Austin. The newspaper provided English translations of Mexican government laws and decrees to keep settlers informed until 1832.
Mexico prohibited further immigration from the United States on April 6, 1830, due to fears of losing control of Texas. This led to increased migration from Mexico and European countries, stricter slavery regulations, and heightened military presence in the region.
Johann Friedrich Ernst, his wife, and five children become the first German family to settle in present-day Austin County, Texas. Ernst's letter describing Texas as an earthly Eden attracts more German families to migrate to southeastern Texas.
Texan insurgents occupying buildings at Anahuac are fired upon by Mexican military, resulting in the death of five Mexican soldiers and one Texan.
The Battle of Velasco in June 1832 marked the first significant conflict between Texas and Mexico, resulting in the surrender of Mexican forces led by Domingo de Ugartechea due to lack of ammunition.
Texan insurgents in Nacogdoches attack Mexican military forces, resulting in the death of 47 Mexican soldiers and four Texans. Around 300 Mexican soldiers are taken prisoner and marched to San Antonio.
A second convention at San Felipe de Austin reiterates the petitions of the Convention of 1832 and drafts a proposed constitution for the new state of Texas.
On October 2, 1835, Texans successfully repelled Mexican cavalry troops at the Battle of Gonzales, marking the beginning of the Texas Revolution.
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.
On March 1, 1836, 59 delegates gathered at Washington-on-the-Brazos for the Convention of 1836. During this event, the Texas Declaration of Independence was drafted and adopted on March 2, along with the Texas Constitution. This marked a crucial step towards establishing the new Republic of Texas.
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.
The 13-day siege of the Alamo by Mexican troops led by Santa Anna ends with a battle where all remaining defenders are killed.
Texans under Sam Houston defeated the Mexican forces of Santa Anna, securing independence in a pivotal battle.
A significant historic steamer docks in Texas.
Greenberry Logan, a free person of color who fought in the Siege of Bexar, submitted a petition with his wife Caroline in March 1837 to stay in Texas despite the Texas Constitution seeking to remove free persons of color. Their request was honored by Congress.
In June 1837, the Texas Legislature passed an act allowing Rangers to utilize the services of 'friendly' American Indian tribes as scouts and spies. This led to the collaboration between Ranger John (Jack) Coffee Hays and Lipan Apache chief Flacco, who played a crucial role in battles against the Comanches.
In 1838, Zylpha “Zelia” Husk moved to Texas from Alabama and worked as a laundress in Houston.
Under the leadership of the second president of Texas, Mirabeau B. Lamar, the capital was moved to Austin from Houston. The decision was made to relocate the capital closer to the original Texas settlements, leading to the selection of the village of Waterloo, which was later renamed Austin.
In January 1839, the official State flag of Texas, known as the Lone Star flag, was adopted as the official flag of the Republic of Texas.
In July 1839, Republic of Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar ordered the expulsion or extermination of American Indian tribes, leading to the Battle of the Neches where Cherokees were defeated in their attempt to retain land granted by a previous treaty.
President Lamar ordered the Rangers to attack Comanche villages in Texas, leading to a deadly confrontation at the Council House in San Antonio where both Texans and Comanche war chiefs, women, and children lost their lives.
The Battle of Plum Creek marked the end of a significant Comanche challenge to the Texas Republic near Lockhart.
John (Jack) Coffee Hays led a group of Rangers in a battle against raiding Comanches near Plum Creek, resulting in the death of 150 Comanches and a significant victory for the Texans.
A pioneer doctor, who later becomes associated with Texas, is born in Alabama.
A Mexican force led by Rafael Vasquez invaded Texas, briefly occupying San Antonio before returning to the Rio Grande.
San Antonio was captured by 1400 Mexican troops under Adrian Woll, who retreated with prisoners after the capture.
Some 300 members of the Somervell force continued raids into Mexico, leading to the ill-fated Mier Expedition surrendering at the Mexican town of Mier.
Under orders of Sam Houston, officials arrived in Austin to remove the records of the Republic of Texas to Houston, sparking the bloodless Archives War.
Seventeen Texans were executed in the Black Bean Episode, a consequence of the Mier Expedition and other raids into Mexico by Texans.
The Tehuacana Creek Council took place on March 28, 1843, where various Indian tribes such as the Caddos, Delawares, Wacos, and others met with Texas officials for the first council. This significant event occurred just south of present-day Waco.
The Texan’s Snively Expedition reached the Santa Fe Trail with the intention of capturing Mexican wagons in the territory claimed by Texas, but the campaign was halted due to intervention by American troops.
In 1844, Navarro escaped from prison and was taken to Cuba and New Orleans by a British vessel before returning to Texas. His involvement in the Santa Fé Expedition and time in a Mexican prison further enhanced his reputation as a hero for signing the Texas Declaration of Independence.
A secessionist newspaper is established in Marshall.
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.
On December 29, 1845, Texas officially became the 28th state to join the United States, marking a significant event in the nation's history.
Fort Inge is established on the Texas frontier.
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.
The Mexican-American War began due to disputes over Texas boundaries, resulting in fixing Texas' southern boundary at the Rio Grande River.
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.
The U.S. Congress officially declared war on Mexico on May 13, 1846, following the Battle of Palo Alto and escalating tensions over the Texas-Mexico border dispute.
A German furniture artist arrives in Texas.
Head chiefs for the Comanche, including Buffalo Hump and Santa Anna, signed a treaty with John O. Meusebach on behalf of German settlers. The treaty allowed settlers to travel into Comancheria and for the Comanche to visit white settlements, opening up more than three million acres of land for settlement.
Texas Germans make a declaration denouncing slavery as evil.
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.
On November 25, 1850, Texas' governor signed the Compromise of 1850, relinquishing its claim to vast territories including parts of New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming in exchange for the United States assuming $10 million of Texas' debt. Texas retained its public lands.
The first Czech immigrants, led by Jozef Šilar, began their journey to Texas on August 19, 1851, attracted by the rich farmland of Central Texas.
The first Lone Star State Fair in Corpus Christi marked a period of prosperity in Texas during the 1850s, organized by Henry L. Kinney with Dr. Ashbel Smith as the fair's manager.
On October 29, 1853, Alabama Chief Antone and tribal subchiefs, along with prominent citizens of Polk County, successfully petitioned the Texas legislature for a reservation. This was a gesture of gratitude for the tribes' support during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
Upper and Lower Brazos Reservation was established in northern Texas for about 2,000 Caddo, Keechi, Waco, Delaware, Tonkawa, and Penateka Comanche tribes. However, due to attacks by white settlers and encroachments, the tribes were forcibly removed to Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma.
In 1856, a shipment of 32 camels arrived at the port of Indianola, backed by the US military. The Texas Camel Experiment utilized the camels to transport supplies across the 'Great American Desert'.
In January 27, 1858, Texas Governor Hardin Runnels allocated $70,000 to support a force of 100 Rangers under the leadership of Senior Captain John 'RIP' Ford to combat attacks from American Indian tribes and Mexican soldiers.
Between 1860 and 1865, Texas joined the Confederacy and the Civil War began, impacting the state significantly during this period.
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.
On March 2, 1861, Texas officially joined the Confederate States of America after declaring its secession from the United States.
In October 1861, advance units of the Brigade of General H. H. Sibley marched from San Antonio to claim New Mexico and the American southwest for the Confederacy.
In response to the requirement for all able-bodied men to report for service to the Confederate Army, the Texas Legislature authorized the formation of the Frontier Regiment in 1861. These Rangers were tasked with defending Texas colonies and forts from Comanche and Kiowa raids along a 500-mile line from the Red River to the Rio Grande.
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.
U.S. Army Col. Kit Carson led 350 California and New Mexico volunteer cavalry against Comanche and Kiowa camps near the abandoned 'Adobe Walls' trading post in the Texas Panhandle. After a battle of several hours, Carson and his troops narrowly escaped, outnumbered by about 1,400 Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache warriors.
A former Texan leads and motivates Union troops, receiving the Medal of Honor for bravery.
A Confederate guerilla leader is apprehended by their own faction.
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.).
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.
Individuals accused of involvement in a mob killing face trial.
George T. Ruby, one of nine African American delegates to the 1868 Constitutional Convention, was elected to the Texas Senate a year later, making him the first African American to serve in the legislature.
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.
Sergeant Emmanuel Stance of the 9th Cavalry embarked on a mission to rescue two children captured in an Apache raid. Stance and his men engaged in multiple battles with the Apaches, successfully recovering the children and stolen horses. His bravery led to him being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, making him the first African American soldier to receive this honor in the post-Civil War era.
General William T. Sherman led the 10th Cavalry on an inspection tour of the Texas frontier to assess the safety of white settlers from Indian threats. Covering over 34,000 miles, they created detailed maps of the region's geographical features, aiding in the development of the unsettled territory.
During an expedition to the Llano Estacado, US Cavalry and Tonkawa scouts attacked a Comanche village on the North Fork of the Red River. The attack resulted in the capture of women, children, and a large horse herd. Casualties included three soldiers killed, seven wounded, 50 Comanche killed, and seven wounded.
Black troops in the U.S. Army, known as Buffalo Soldiers, were stationed in Texas, the Southwest, and the Great Plains. They were given this name by Native Americans. The Buffalo Soldiers from the 9th and 10th Cavalry, and the 24th and 25th Infantry regiments, participated in various frontier campaigns and performed military duties like constructing roads and escorting mail parties.
The Coke-Davis Dispute in Texas ended peacefully in Austin on January 17, 1874, with E. J. Davis relinquishing the governor's office to Richard Coke. This marked the beginning of a democratic party dynasty in Texas that lasted for over a century.
In 1874, efforts were made to suppress lawlessness in the region. This action aimed to maintain order and security amidst the changing dynamics brought about by various conflicts and developments.
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.
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.
The current Texas Constitution was adopted on February 15, 1876, shaping the governance and legal framework of the state.
On October 4, 1876, the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, now known as Texas A&M, opened its doors. This marked Texas's first foray into public higher education, with a semester tuition of $10.
The Staked Plains Horror is mentioned with the date July 26, 1877, but details about this event are not provided in the input.
Sixty 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers led by Captain Nicholas Nolan became lost in the waterless Llano Estacado while pursuing raiding Comanches. Soldiers resorted to drinking the blood of their dead horses to survive, resulting in four deaths. The incident, known as 'The Staked Plains Horror,' garnered national attention.
By 1879, the railroads had fully extended their reach into Texas, with 2,440 miles of track. This expansion played a significant role in ending the legendary cattle drives as it provided a more efficient means of transportation.
In August 1880, detachments of the 10th Cavalry and 25th Infantry engaged in battles with the Warm Springs and Mescalero Apaches under Chief Victorio in southern New Mexico and West Texas. The Apaches were eventually driven back into Mexico, where Victorio was killed by Mexican soldiers.
In 1881, a small war party of Lipan Apache attacked and looted the house of an American settler in Texas, leading to the killing of two people. Thirty Black-Seminole Scouts under Lt. John L. Bullis pursued the raiders into Mexico, marking the final military action against American Indians by the United States in Texas.
In 1882, Alex Sweet, the editor of Texas Siftings humor magazine, acknowledged the significant role of the Texas Rangers in maintaining law and order, capturing criminals, and preventing raids by Mexican and Indian groups on the frontier.
Cattlemen and ranchers in Texas engaged in conflict over the use of barbed wire fencing. Armed groups known as 'nippers' cut through the wire at night, causing around $20 million in damages. The Texas Rangers intervened, with Ranger Ira Aten suggesting explosive devices on the fences, a proposal that was rejected.
The University of Texas commenced its inaugural session in Austin on September 15, 1883, offering courses in the Academic Department and a Law Department. This marked the beginning of higher education in Texas.
In October 1887, the Dabney Hill Missionary Baptist Church held its first service, becoming the center of the Dabney Hill Freedman’s settlement in Burleson County, providing African Americans a sanctuary from the discrimination in the Jim Crow South.
On May 16, 1888, the dedication of the present state capital in Austin concluded seven years of planning and construction. The building was funded with 3,000,000 acres of land from north Texas.
General Benjamin Grierson praised the officers and men of the 10th Cavalry for their gallant and zealous devotion to duty, enduring hardships, privations, and dangers while in contact with warlike and savage Plains Indians.
James Hogg took office as the first native-born governor of Texas based on a campaign platform calling for the regulation of railroads and big business.
In 1892, drilling for oil began in Beaumont, Texas, led by Anthony F. Lucas, a salt mining engineer. Despite initial challenges such as quicksand, Lucas persisted in exploring the area for oil over the next nine years.
The Texas Equal Rights Association was established in 1893 as the first statewide women's suffrage organization in Texas. Led by Rebecca Henry Hays, the TERA advocated for women's voting and political rights, including the right to hold office.
In 1894, crews drilling for water in Corsicana accidentally discovered oil, leading to an oil boom. The excessive drilling caused chaos and a drop in oil prices. To address the contamination and waste, Corsicana established the Magnolia Petroleum Company, later known as Mobil.
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'.
After the 1897 session of the Texas legislature, African American participation in the state's legislative body ceased for 70 years due to the implementation and enforcement of Jim Crow laws, preventing African Americans from being elected until 1966.
Major General Shafter led a significant charge in the war with Spain in 1898, where 17,000 troops, including 3,000 Buffalo Soldiers, were involved in the battle in Cuba. The 24th Infantry and the 9th and 10th Cavalry played crucial roles in the charge up San Juan Hill alongside Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders.
In 1899, Texas enacted the first laws regulating the oil industry, requiring operators to cap off wells to protect groundwater and prevent natural gas from escaping into the air.
In 1900, Galveston, Texas, was devastated by a hurricane that resulted in the loss of thousands of lives.
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.
In December 1902, the poll tax became a requirement for voting in Texas.
In 1905, the state of Texas acquired the remaining buildings of the Alamo and entrusted the custodianship to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, who continue to maintain the site as a popular tourist attraction.
For the first time in 1906, Texans could vote for U.S. senator in the Democratic primary, although the Legislature retained ultimate appointment authority.
Following his tenure in the Texas legislature, Robert Lloyd Smith served in Theodore Roosevelt's administration until 1909, contributing to governmental affairs and policies.
Lt. Benjamin D. Foulois made the first military air flight in a Wright brothers plane at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio in 1910, marking the shaky beginnings of the U.S. Air Force.
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.
In 1911, President Taft stationed 20,000 U.S. troops along the Mexican border due to fears of Mexican nationalism fueled by the Mexican Revolution.
In 1909, dredging began on the Houston Ship Channel, providing a crucial link to the sea for the interior of Texas. Completed in 1914, it facilitated the transportation of oil and other goods, making it one of the most heavily utilized waterways in the U.S.
On January 23, 1915, raids by Mexican outlaws led to the authorization of mass inductions of men to serve as Ranger forces in Texas. Reports of brutality increased during this period.
Around 10,000 Texas and Louisiana oilfield workers initiated a strike on November 1, 1917, protesting against long working hours and low wages. The strike persisted for several months, leading to job losses for 25% of the workers by the time it concluded in June 1918. Despite the challenges, some companies did increase wages and benefits for the retained employees.
Governor William P. Hobby signed the bill permitting women to vote into law on March 26, 1918, after it passed in both the Texas House and Senate. This marked a significant milestone in the suffrage movement in Texas.
In 1918, Prohibition was enforced in Texas, prohibiting the sale, production, and distribution of alcoholic beverages. This marked a significant shift in the state's social and legal landscape, impacting various aspects of daily life and business operations.
Annie Webb Blanton becomes the first woman to be elected to a statewide office in Texas when she is elected as the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Representative Josė T. Canales of Brownsville pushed for a legislative investigation into the high number of Hispanic citizen deaths by Texas Rangers during the 1915-1918 wars with Mexico. The investigation led to the reduction of Ranger companies, changes in selection criteria, and the implementation of a citizen complaint process.
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.
Amid anti-German sentiment, Governor William P. Hobby vetoes appropriations for the German Department of The University of Texas on August 7, 1919.
Prohibition was passed in 1918, followed by the Texas oil boom exploding in 1920. Rangers in Texas were actively involved in enforcing Prohibition laws, intercepting bootleg liquor, and dealing with criminals. Ranger Captain Manuel 'Lone Wolf' Gonzaullas gained legendary status during this period as a one-man law enforcement agency along the Texas border.
In 1923, the Texas Legislature passes a law explicitly barring black citizens from voting in the Democratic primary, a discriminatory practice later overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.
In 1924, Ma Ferguson made history by becoming the first woman governor of Texas. Her election marked a significant milestone in Texas politics and women's participation in governance.
On January 20, 1925, Miriam 'Ma' Ferguson becomes the first woman to serve as the governor of Texas, acting as a symbolic leader during her tenure.
Longhorn track coach Clyde Littlefield inaugurated the Texas Relays at the Texas Memorial Stadium in 1925, attracting top college track athletes and Olympians. The stadium, now known as Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, has been the home of University of Texas football and track teams since its establishment.
On September 30, 1925, Texas Tech University starts conducting classes in Lubbock under the name Texas Technological College.
From June 26 to 29, 1928, the Democratic National Convention takes place in Houston, marking the first time a nominating convention is held in a Southern city since 1860.
On February 17, 1929, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is established in Corpus Christi, advocating for the rights and interests of Latin Americans.
On September 5, 1930, the Daisy Bradford #3 well near Turnertown in Rusk County strikes oil, leading to the discovery of the vast East Texas Oil Field.
The East Texas Oil Field was discovered on October 5, 1930, in the east central part of Texas, becoming the largest oil reservoir in the contiguous United States.
The Centennial Exposition was held in Dallas on the state fairgrounds to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Texas independence. It opened on June 6, 1936, and ran until late November of that year, attracting over 6 million attendees.
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.
A race riot in Beaumont on June 15-16, 1943, led to the declaration of martial law. The incident resulted in the death of two black individuals and one white person, with over 200 arrests made.
In June 1943, a race riot broke out in Beaumont, Texas, triggered by allegations of assault and sexual assault involving African-American individuals. The incident led to the city being placed under martial law for five days.
On April 3, 1944, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that blacks could not be barred from voting in the Texas Democratic primary, marking a significant step towards voting rights equality.
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.
On August 24, 1949, the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston admitted its first black student, marking a significant milestone in the institution's history.
The U.S. Supreme Court orders the racial integration of The University of Texas law school in 1950.
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.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, a Texas native, becomes the first Texas-born President of the United States in 1953.
In May 1953, a tornado hits Waco, killing 114 people, injuring 597, and causing significant damage to homes and buildings.
President Eisenhower signs the Tidelands Bill in 1953, granting Texas rights to its offshore oil.
In November 1954, Texas voters approve amendments to the state constitution allowing women to serve on juries and ending the ban on voting by members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
In 1956, Henry B. Gonzalez of San Antonio becomes the first Hispanic elected to the state Senate since 1848, marking a significant milestone in Texas politics.
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.
In May 1961, John Tower wins a special election for U.S. Senate, becoming the first Republican senator from Texas since Reconstruction.
In March 1962, NASA opens the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, which later becomes the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in 1973.
On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, a tragic event that shocked the nation.
In May 1967, the State of Texas officially recognized the descendants of Tigua as a tribe. The Tigua people built the Ysleta Mission in El Paso in 1682 and today have a tribal government and enterprises providing employment and benefits.
Attorneys at the Securities and Exchange Commission file a lawsuit alleging illegal manipulation of stock transactions involving Frank Sharp and his Sharpstown State Bank of Houston. The scandal leads to the conviction of House speaker Gus Mutscher and two associates for conspiracy and bribery in 1972.
A Constitutional Convention meets in Texas to draft a new state constitution but is unable to reach an agreement due to divisive politics. The convention adjourns without producing a new document.
The article 'Mexican Women in San Antonio, 1830–1860: The Assimilation Process' delves into the assimilation process of Mexican women in San Antonio during the years 1830 to 1860.
William Clements becomes the first Republican governor of Texas since Reconstruction after winning the election in 1978.
Multiple tornadoes strike West Texas, resulting in the deaths of 53 people, including 42 in Wichita Falls, and causing significant damages amounting to $400 million.
A book by De Leon, Arnoldo that examines the history of the Tejano community in Texas from 1836 to 1900.
Harold L. Platt's book from 1983 focusing on the development of public services in Houston, including waste removal and clean water.
The National Republican Convention takes place in Dallas from August 20 to 23, 1984.
The Federal Home Loan Bank Board suspends deposit insurance for Texas savings-and-loan companies applying for state charters in June 1985. This action is followed by a series of bail-out plans for many Texas thrifts due to insider abuse.
The study 'Let All of Them Take Heed: Mexican Americans and the Campaign for Educational Equality in Texas, 1910–1981' delves into the efforts and struggles of Mexican Americans in Texas for educational equality from 1910 to 1981.
Houstonian George H.W. Bush is elected as the President of the United States in the 1988 election.
A book by Campbell, Randolph B. that examines the institution of slavery in Texas from 1821 to 1865.
Democrat Ann Richards makes history by becoming the first woman governor of Texas in her own right after winning the election in 1990.
The work 'Rise of the Mexican American Middle Class: San Antonio, 1929-1941' focuses on the emergence and growth of the Mexican American middle class in San Antonio between 1929 and 1941.
The work 'Tejano Religion and Ethnicity, San Antonio, 1821-1860' examines the religious and ethnic dynamics of the Tejano community in San Antonio during the period from 1821 to 1860.
The sourcebook 'Black Texas Women: A Sourcebook' compiles primary sources shedding light on the experiences and contributions of black women in Texas.
A book by Turner, Elizabeth Hayes focusing on the role of religion and reform in Galveston from 1880 to 1920.
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.
A book by Carroll, Mark M. exploring the complexities of family, sex, race, and law in frontier Texas from 1823 to 1860.
Colonel Paul Lockhart, a pilot of Space Shuttle Mission STS-111, carried a 1962 Texas Ranger badge into orbit to commemorate the 180th anniversary of the Texas Rangers.
The National WASP World War II Museum was inaugurated at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. Twenty-nine Women Airforce Service Pilots participated in the opening ceremony and left their handprints in cement.
Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison proposed Senate Bill S.614 to bestow the Women Airforce Service Pilots with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor. The bill was supported by all female senators and passed unanimously.
On March 18, 2009, the Texas State legislature approved resolution HR 812 acknowledging the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas.
On April 25, 2013, the Texas State Legislature passed House Bill 174, which designated the last Friday in September as American Indian Heritage Day in Texas. This day honors the historical, cultural, and social contributions of American Indian communities and leaders in the state.
A book by Robert Wuthnow exploring the transformation of Texas into a prominent Bible-Belt state, published in 2014.
A book edited by Turner, Elizabeth Hayes, Stephanie Cole, and Rebecca Sharpless that explores the histories and lives of women in Texas.
Texas confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on February 13, 2020. This marked the beginning of the pandemic in the state.
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.
As of late May 2021, Texas reported 50,198 COVID-19 related deaths. The state's death rate was 175 per 100,000 people.
A renowned West Texas Landscape painter was born in Milford.
Significant oil discovery or extraction activity occurred in East Texas.
The High Court ruled that Texas has the right to sue in federal courts despite its history of secession.
A world-famous animal trapper was born in Texas.
The first county in the Panhandle region of Texas was organized.
A Houston surgeon successfully implanted the first artificial heart 55 years ago.
The last passenger train departed from the Dallas terminal 55 years ago.
Dallas designated the Federal Reserve Bank as a historic landmark 45 years ago.
The Orange Show opened to the public 40 years ago.
A landmark public education suit was filed 40 years ago.
A legendary jazz pianist passed away 40 years ago.
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