May 5, marks an important date in Texas history. Back in 1862, Mexican general Ignacio Zaragoza led his troops to victory over French expeditionary forces at the Battle of Puebla. This event is now celebrated as Cinco de Mayo. In 1898, the first contingent of Rough Riders arrived in San Antonio to begin training for the Spanish-American War. Fast forward to 1939, the University of Texas at Austin McDonald Observatory dedicated its telescope, which is located on Mount Locke near Fort Davis.
In 1983, President Reagan visited San Antonio to participate in the Cinco de Mayo celebration. And in 2001, the 200th episode of “Walker, Texas Ranger” aired on CBS. A quote from Mexican Colonel Pedro Delgado in 1836 about the Battle of San Jacinto serves as a reminder of the state’s rich history.