January 29th in 1842, the Port of Houston was established, paving the way for the city to become a hub for trade and commerce. Two years later, in 1844, Republic of Texas president Sam Houston granted an empresario contract to Charles Fenton Mercer, an abolitionist who played a significant role in the state’s development.
However, not all events on this day were positive. In 1861, the Secession Convention of Texas voted overwhelmingly to secede from the United States. This decision had far-reaching consequences and ultimately led to Texas becoming a part of the Confederacy during the Civil War.
In 1881, a skirmish took place between a company of Texas Rangers and a group of fugitive Guadalupe Apaches at Hueco Tanks. This event highlights the state’s history of conflict and struggle as various groups vied for control of the land.