Firstly, on August 15th, 1845, Texas officials officially ratified the State Constitution, following Texas’ annexation by the United States earlier in the year. This constitution defined the government structure in keeping with the democratic ideals of the United States, outlining the distribution of power among the three branches of government: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. Notably, it also prohibited the international slave trade, making it the first U.S. state to do so. This significant development characterised Texas’s commitment to align with the values of its newfound nation while also taking the state’s unique stand on a contentious issue.
In 1836, Philip Sublett nominated Sam Houston for president of the Republic of Texas. This nomination played a crucial role in shaping the future of Texas and its governance.
The first Feast of Assumption celebration was held in a small Czech community in southern Fayette County in 1855. Three years later, the community was officially named Praha, replacing its previous names of Mulberry and Hottentot. This celebration stands as a testament to the diverse cultural heritage of Texas.
In 1895, the first U.S. battleship to bear the name USS Texas was commissioned. However, in 1911, its name was changed to USS San Marcos. This battleship represented Texas’ contribution to the naval forces of the United States.
Tragedy struck in 1935 when Texas native Wiley Post and humorist Will Rogers were killed in a plane crash in Point Barrow, Alaska. This incident left a lasting impact on the aviation industry and served as a reminder of the risks involved in early aviation exploration.
In 1983, Hurricane Alicia wreaked havoc in Galveston and Houston, Texas, resulting in the unfortunate loss of 21 lives. This devastating natural disaster emphasized the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather events.
On a lighter note, in 1993, legendary baseball pitcher Nolan Ryan achieved his 324th and final victory. Ryan’s remarkable career and contributions to the Texas Rangers will forever be remembered in the annals of sports history.
Texas Governor Rick Perry found himself in legal trouble in 2014 when he was indicted by a grand jury on felony charges for abuse of power and coercion of a public servant. This incident sparked a significant legal and political debate in the state.
Across the Pacific during World War II, the Japanese empire announced its surrender on this day, effectively concluding the weltkrieg. Thousands of Texan soldiers served in this war, and upon hearing the news, impromptu celebrations broke out across the state, marking the jubilant end.