History
The first humans to arrive in Texas came sometime between 13,000 and 10,000 BCE. Europeans arrived and began mapping the area in 1519. A lot has happened since then.
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The First Thanksgiving?
The First Thanksgiving may have been observed in Texas on April 30, 1598 by Spanish explorer Juan de Onate and members of his expedition. -
Coronado Expedition in 1541
Coronado made his 1540-1542 journey through the high plains of Texas as he searched for the seven gold cities. -
The Spanish Missions in Texas
The establishment of missions in Texas came in spurts, following the rhythm of the fortunes of Spain. -
Franciscan Missionaries in Texas before 1690
The first missionaries came to Texas in the mid 1500s. -
The Coldest Winter
Historic extreme weather records have shaped Texas history. -
The Capitals of Texas
Many different locations have served as capitals of Texas. -
Significant Weather, 1700s and 1800s
The weather has played a significant role in Texas history. -
The Beginnings of the University of Texas & Texas A&M University
The two major university systems in Texas had slow and shaky beginnings. -
The Frontier Forts of Texas
The annexation of Texas precipitated the Mexican War. As thousands of troops were stationed across Texas, new forts were erected and many of the older ones were abandoned or consolidated with the newer ones. -
The Buffalo Soldiers of Post-War Texas
After the Civil War, six regiments of black troops served in Texas and the West. -
An Act to Admit the State of Texas to Representation in the Congress of the United States
The Act to Readmit Texas into the United States was approved on March 30, 1870. -
African American Legislators of the 19th Century
There were 52 African American legislators in Texas during the Reconstruction period. -
Cattle Drives
Cattle drives started in earnest after the Civil War. -
Black Texans
Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom for Black Texans and one of the most important holidays observed in Texas. -
Texas Reconstruction to the 20th Century, Part 2
The Texa Reconstruction Period was one of great turmoil and violence experienced by formerly Black Texans. This is the second of two articles on this topic. Read the first one here. Click here to view a timeline of this period. -
Texas Reconstruction to the 20th Century, Part 1
The period of Texas Reconstruction and through the early 20th century was ridden in turmoil. This is the first of two articles on this topic. Read the second one here. Click here to view a timeline of this period. -
Secession and Civil War in Texas
Slaveowners controlled 60 to 70 percent of the wealth of the state of Texas. They not only controlled the state's politics but stood in protectio of chattel slavery which in turn led Texas secession from the Union and to Civil War.
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Butterfield Overland Mail: Stagecoaching in Texas
Early-day Texas travelers had only four choices when they needed to get from one town to another walk, ride a horse, bounce along in a buggy or take a stagecoach. -
Fort Belknap: The Pre-Civil War Frontier
The Pre-Civil War Texas frontier has a long and contentious history. -
Camp Cooper, Ft. Belknap and the Native Reservations
When anglo settlers arrived in Texas, the lands upon which they settled were not empty. They were occupied by Native people including Comanches, Wichitas, Tawakonis, Anadarkos, Caddos and others. -
Annexation to Secession
Annexation to the United States was far from automatic for Texas. Click here for a timeline view of this period. -
The Texas Rangers: From Horses to Helicopters
The Texas Rangers have a long and unique history in Texas. -
German Texans
One of the ethnic groups with the largest impact on Texas has been the Germans. -
The Bombing of Texas
During WWII, two laminated paper balloons released on November 1944 by the Japanese "bombarded" Texas.
It doesn't get any more Texan than this…
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