November 20th in 1837, Republic of Texas Secretary of State Robert A. Irion recommended the grant of copyrights in his annual report. This was a crucial step in the development of intellectual property rights in the young republic.
Fast forward to 1887, and legendary fiddler Eck Robertson was born. Hailing from the Texas Panhandle, Robertson went on to achieve fame by recording the first commercial recordings of country music, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape of Texas and beyond.
The significance of the Centennial of Texas Independence was commemorated in 1934, as the American Legion began selling silver fifty-cent pieces as a tribute. This was a testament to the enduring legacy of Texas’ fight for independence and its historical importance.
The bravery and valor of Texans were exemplified in 1943 when Staff Sgt. William James Bordelon of San Antonio and First Lt. William Dean Hawkins of El Paso were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic actions in the battle for the Pacific island of Tarawa during World War II.
Even pop culture made its mark on Texas history on this day in 1990, when Paul McCartney’s birth certificate was sold for a staggering $18,000 at an auction in Houston, Texas.