November 18th has been a significant day in Texas history, with a number of important events taking place on this day throughout the years. From the arrival of the first steamship to Texas to the promotion of a Confederate Army general, November 18th has been a day filled with historical significance.
In 1837, the steamship Columbia made its first recorded voyage for Morgan Lines, arriving in New Orleans. This was a pivotal moment as it marked the beginning of steamship service to Texas, laying the groundwork for future transportation and trade in the state.
Fast forward to 1862, when John Austin Wharton was promoted to the rank of brigadier general in the Confederate Army. His promotion served as a testament to his dedication and service during his time as captain of Company B, eighth Texas Calvary, also known as Terry’s Texas Rangers.
In more recent history, in 1999, a tragic event occurred at Texas A&M in College Station, TX, when a huge bonfire under construction collapsed, resulting in the death of twelve people and injuring 28 others. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in large-scale construction projects.
On a brighter note, in 2011, Tom Gaglardi, President of Northland Properties Corporation, purchased the Dallas Stars, adding to the sports legacy of Texas.