In January, Texas history saw significant milestones such as the Emancipation Proclamation issued on January 1, 1863, which impacted enslaved people in Texas. On January 10, 1901, the Spindletop oil discovery near Beaumont marked the beginning of the Texas oil boom, transforming the state’s economy. Additionally, the Republic of Texas Congress adopted the Lone Star flag on January 25, 1839, symbolizing Texas’ independence and pride.

• January 1, 1863: The Emancipation Proclamation is issued, affecting enslaved people in Confederate states, including Texas.
• January 1, 1863: Confederate forces recapture the key port city of Galveston from Union forces, ensuring it remained under Confederate control for the rest of the war.
• January 8, 1865: The Battle of Dove Creek occurs between Confederate forces and Kickapoo Native Americans near present-day San Angelo, resulting in a Kickapoo victory.
• January 10, 1901: The Spindletop oil discovery near Beaumont marked the start of the Texas oil boom, transforming the economy and leading to rapid industrialization in the state. The gusher blew for nine days at a rate of 100,000 barrels per day, making it one of the largest oil discoveries in history.
• January 17, 1821: Moses Austin receives a grant from the Spanish crown to establish a colony in Texas. This event set the stage for the influx of American settlers into the region, eventually leading to significant demographic and political changes.
• January 25, 1839: The Republic of Texas Congress adopts the Lone Star flag. This iconic symbol represented Texas’ independence and pride, and it remains an important part of Texas identity to this day.

February is marked by Texas’ secession from the Union on February 16, 1861, joining the Confederate States of America. Texas was officially admitted as a state of the United States on February 19, 1846, ending its status as an independent republic. The Siege of the Alamo began on February 23, 1836, where Texan defenders held out against a larger Mexican force.

• February 16, 1861: Texas secedes from the Union and joins the Confederate States of America. This decision was part of the larger conflict that led to the Civil War.
• February 19, 1846: Texas is officially admitted as a state of the United States. This event marked the end of Texas’ status as an independent republic and its entry into the Union.
• February 23, 1836: The Siege of the Alamo begins. For 13 days, Texan defenders held out against a larger Mexican force, becoming a symbol of resistance and sacrifice.
• February 28, 1845: The U.S. Congress passes the joint resolution for the annexation of Texas.

March is a pivotal month in Texas history with the Texas Declaration of Independence adopted on March 2, 1836, declaring independence from Mexico. The Battle of the Alamo ended on March 6, 1836, galvanizing support for the Texan cause. On March 27, 1836, the Goliad Massacre occurred, where over 300 Texan prisoners were executed by the Mexican Army.

• March 1, 1845: U.S. President John Tyler signs the joint resolution for the annexation of Texas, formally offering statehood.
• March 2, 1836: The Texas Declaration of Independence is adopted. This declared Texas independent from Mexico, setting the stage for the creation of the Republic of Texas.
• March 6, 1836: The Battle of the Alamo ends with the defeat of the Texan defenders. This pivotal event galvanized support for the Texan cause and became a rallying cry for independence.
• March 9, 1916: Pancho Villa attacks the town of Columbus, New Mexico, prompting U.S. military action involving Texas.
• March 12-15, 1836: The Battle of Refugio sees Texian forces led by Amon B. King and William Ward defeated by Mexican troops, resulting in significant casualties and captures.
• March 17, 1836: The Convention of 1836, where delegates declare Texas’ independence and draft a constitution, adjourns.
• March 19-20, 1836: The Battle of Coleto Creek occurs, where Texian forces led by James Fannin are surrounded and forced to surrender to Mexican troops, leading to the Goliad Massacre.
• March 19, 1864: The Battle of Laredo sees Confederate forces successfully defending Laredo, a key supply point on the Rio Grande, from Union troops attempting to disrupt the Confederate cotton trade with Mexico.
• March 27, 1836: The Goliad Massacre occurs, where over 300 Texan prisoners were executed by the Mexican Army. This brutal event further fueled Texan resolve to win independence.

April witnessed the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, leading to Texas’ independence from Mexico with General Sam Houston’s decisive victory. The Texas City disaster on April 15, 1947, involved an industrial accident that resulted in nearly 600 deaths. Additionally, the Mexican government enacted the Law of April 6, 1830, restricting U.S. immigration to Texas and increasing tensions leading to the Texas Revolution.

• April 6, 1830: The Mexican government enacts the Law of April 6, which restricts immigration from the United States to Texas and increases tensions leading to the Texas Revolution.
• April 15, 1947: The Texas City disaster, an industrial accident involving the explosion of a ship carrying ammonium nitrate, occurs, killing nearly 600 people and causing widespread damage.
• April 16, 1844: The Treaty of Annexation is signed between Texas and the United States, though it is initially rejected by the U.S. Senate. This treaty laid the groundwork for Texas’ eventual statehood.
• April 17-18, 1837: The Battle of the Brazos River, a naval engagement between the Texas Navy and Mexican naval forces, occurs. The Texian schooner Independence is captured by the Mexican brigantine Vencedor del Álamo.
• April 21, 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto takes place, leading to Texas’ independence from Mexico. General Sam Houston’s forces decisively defeated the Mexican army, capturing General Santa Anna.

May saw the creation of the Texas Rangers on May 2, 1835, a law enforcement agency crucial to maintaining order on the frontier. The Battle of Palo Alto, the first major battle of the Mexican-American War, occurred on May 8, 1846. On May 13, 1846, the U.S. Congress declared war on Mexico, initiating the Mexican-American War.

• May 2, 1835: The Texas Rangers are officially created. This legendary law enforcement agency played a crucial role in maintaining order on the Texas frontier.
• May 4, 1896: The “Crash at Crush” publicity stunt in which two locomotives were intentionally crashed into each other results in deaths and injuries, highlighting the dangers of early public spectacles.
• May 8, 1846: The Battle of Palo Alto, the first major battle of the Mexican-American War, occurs in Texas. The battle resulted in a U.S. victory and marked the beginning of a successful campaign in the region.
• May 12-13, 1865: The Battle of Palmito Ranch, considered the last land battle of the American Civil War, is fought near Brownsville, Texas. Despite occurring after General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, Confederate forces won the battle.
• May 13, 1846: The U.S. Congress declares war on Mexico, initiating the Mexican-American War.

June is notable for Juneteenth on June 19, 1865, marking the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas, now celebrated as a federal holiday. Apollo 10 astronauts, including Texas native Gene Cernan, received a hero’s welcome in Houston on June 6, 1969. Additionally, the first elected president of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston, took office on June 1, 1836.

• June 1, 1836: The first elected president of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston, takes office.
• June 2, 1844: The Battle of Walker Creek sees Captain John Coffee Hays and the Texas Rangers defeating a Comanche war party, showcasing the effective use of Colt revolvers.
• June 6, 1969: Apollo 10 astronauts, including Texas native Gene Cernan, receive a hero’s welcome in Houston. This mission was a critical step towards the first manned moon landing.
• June 7, 1840: The Second Battle of Lipantitlán occurs, where Texian forces engaged a group of Lipan Apache and Mexican soldiers near the old Lipantitlán fort, resulting in a Texian victory.
• June 19, 1865: Juneteenth marks the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas. This day, now celebrated as a federal holiday, commemorates the end of slavery and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
• June 26, 1990: The Texas Six-Man Football League is established, adapting the sport for small schools and rural areas, showcasing the state’s passion for football.

July includes the Texas Congress voting for annexation to the United States on July 4, 1845, paving the way for statehood. The first successful test of Project Highwater, a high-altitude nuclear detonation, occurred over Texas on July 10, 1962. On July 26, 1845, the Texas annexation resolution was signed by U.S. President James K. Polk.

• July 4, 1845: The Texas Congress votes for annexation to the United States. This decision paved the way for Texas to join the Union later that year.
• July 10, 1962: The first successful test of Project Highwater, a high-altitude nuclear detonation conducted by the United States, occurs over the skies of Texas.
• July 13, 1943: The 36th Infantry Division of the Texas National Guard begins training for World War II. This division played a significant role in several key battles during the war.
• July 26, 1845: The Texas annexation resolution is signed by U.S. President James K. Polk.

August featured the infamous mass shooting by Charles Whitman from the University of Texas at Austin Tower on August 1, 1966. Texas was officially declared drought-free on August 5, 1953, after seven years of severe drought conditions. The Battle of Corpus Christi during the Civil War occurred on August 18, 1862.

• August 5, 1953: Texas was declared drought-free after seven years of severe drought, which had caused widespread agricultural hardship. This event led to significant changes in water policy and infrastructure development in the state, ensuring better preparedness for future droughts.
• August 12, 1840: The Battle of Plum Creek, fought near present-day Lockhart, Texas, sees Texian volunteers and allied Tonkawa and Lipan Apache warriors defeating a large Comanche war party following the Great Raid of 1840.
• August 18, 1862: The Battle of Corpus Christi occurs during the Civil War. This skirmish was part of the larger conflict between Union and Confederate forces in Texas.

September highlights the Galveston Hurricane on September 8, 1900, the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, causing extensive devastation. The Consultation, the provisional government of Texas, called for the formation of a military on September 22, 1835. Additionally, the University of Texas Tower was dedicated on September 25, 1961.

• September 4, 1886: The surrender of Apache leader Geronimo in Arizona ends the Indian Wars in the Southwestern United States, including Texas.
• September 8, 1900: The Galveston Hurricane, the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, struck Texas, resulting in an estimated 8,000 deaths. The devastation led to significant changes in building codes and disaster preparedness.
• September 8, 1863: The Second Battle of Sabine Pass sees a small Confederate force successfully repelling a much larger Union invasion fleet at Sabine Pass, Texas.
• September 15, 1829: Mexico abolishes slavery, impacting the future of the institution in Texas and contributing to rising tensions leading up to the Texas Revolution.
• September 18, 1842: The Dawson Massacre occurs when a group of Texian militia, led by Captain Nicholas Dawson, is ambushed and defeated by Mexican forces near Laredo during the Battle of Salado Creek.
• September 18, 1842: The Battle of Salado Creek occurs when Texian forces, led by Captain Matthew Caldwell, successfully repel Mexican troops near San Antonio during the invasion of 1842.
• September 22, 1835: The Consultation (provisional government of Texas) calls for the formation of a military. This move was crucial in organizing resistance against Mexican forces.
• September 24-25, 1862: The First Battle of Sabine Pass, where Confederate forces fend off an initial Union attempt to capture the strategic Sabine Pass on the Texas-Louisiana border.
• September 25, 1961: The University of Texas Tower is dedicated. The iconic structure became a symbol of the university and a landmark in Austin.

October is marked by the Battle of Gonzales on October 2, 1835, which started the Texas Revolution. The founding of Texas A&M University on October 5, 1881, marked a significant development in Texas education. The Houston Riot of 1917, also known as the Camp Logan Mutiny, occurred on October 13, 1917, involving a deadly confrontation between African American soldiers and Houston police.

• October 2, 1835: The Battle of Gonzales marks the start of the Texas Revolution. The “Come and Take It” flag and the successful defense against Mexican troops symbolized the Texans’ resolve for independence.
• October 5, 1881: The founding of Texas A&M University, the state’s first public institution of higher learning, marks a significant development in Texas education.
• October 9-10, 1835: The Battle of Goliad (also known as the Battle of Presidio La Bahía) where Texian forces captured the fort from Mexican troops.
• October 12 – December 11, 1835: The Siege of Béxar, where Texian forces laid siege to San Antonio and eventually forced Mexican troops to surrender, leading to a significant Texian victory.
• October 13, 1917: The Houston Riot of 1917, also known as the Camp Logan Mutiny, occurs. African American soldiers clashed with Houston police, leading to a deadly confrontation and subsequent court-martials.
• October 28, 1835: The Battle of Concepción, where Texian forces led by James Bowie and James Fannin successfully repelled a larger Mexican force near San Antonio.

November includes Texas voters ratifying the secession from the United States on November 6, 1861, aligning with the Confederacy. The University of Texas at Austin was formally opened on November 8, 1889, becoming a major educational institution. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas on November 22, 1963, leading to significant political and social repercussions.

• November 4, 1835: The Battle of Lipantitlán, where Texian forces captured a Mexican garrison near the Nueces River, disrupting Mexican control in the region.
• November 6, 1861: Texas voters ratify the secession from the United States. This decision formally aligned Texas with the Confederacy during the Civil War.
• November 8, 1889: The University of Texas at Austin is formally opened, becoming a major educational and research institution.
• November 9, 1835: The Texas provisional government authorizes the creation of the Texas Navy, which plays a crucial role in the fight for independence.
• November 22, 1963: President John F. Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas, Texas. This tragic event shocked the nation and led to significant political and social repercussions.
• November 25, 1864: The Battle of Dove Creek, a Civil War skirmish, takes place in Texas. Confederate and Union forces clashed with Kickapoo Indians, resulting in a complex conflict.
• November 26, 1835: The Grass Fight, a small skirmish during the Texas Revolution, where Texian forces attacked a Mexican supply convoy near San Antonio, mistakenly believing it carried silver, but finding grass for horses instead.

December witnessed the Siege of Béxar ending on December 20, 1835, with Texan forces capturing San Antonio from Mexican troops. Texas was admitted to the Union as the 28th state on December 29, 1845, transitioning from an independent republic. The Gadsden Purchase was signed on December 30, 1853, resolving border disputes and facilitating the expansion of the southern transcontinental railroad.

• December 1, 1955: Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, indirectly influences the Civil Rights Movement in Texas, leading to desegregation efforts across the state.
• December 2, 1884: The Texas State Capitol’s cornerstone is laid. The construction of the capitol building was a significant milestone in Texas’ architectural and political history.
• December 20, 1835: The Siege of Béxar ends with Texan forces capturing San Antonio from Mexican troops.
• December 29, 1845: Texas is admitted to the Union as the 28th state. This marked the official transition from an independent republic to a U.S. state.
• December 30, 1853: The Gadsden Purchase is signed, which affects the Texas-New Mexico boundary. This agreement resolved border disputes and facilitated the expansion of the southern transcontinental railroad.