December 7th in 1896, TCU’s football program began under the name AddRan Male & Female College. This marked the beginning of a long and storied tradition of football in Texas.
In 1925, the West Texas Historical and Scientific Society was organized, furthering the study and preservation of Texas history and science.
One of the most significant events in Texas history on December 7th occurred in 1941, when Texas native Doris Miller manned an unattended deck gun on the USS West Virginia during the attack on Pearl Harbor. His bravery in battle earned him the Navy Cross, making him a symbol of courage and heroism in Texas history.
In 1981, U.S. President Reagan was presented with a muzzle loader and made an Honorary Col. in the Army of Texas, further cementing the strong connection between Texas and the federal government.
The following year, in 1982, Charlie Brooks Junior became the first prisoner in the U.S. to be executed by injection at a prison in Huntsville, TX, marking a significant milestone in the history of capital punishment in the United States.
Finally, in 2013, the Baylor Bears played their last game at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco, TX, marking the end of an era for the team and the stadium.