One of the most significant events to occur on November 24th was the establishment of the Texas Rangers organization in 1835 by the Texas provisional government. While Stephen F. Austin had initially hired 10 “rangers” to protect his colonists against Indian raids in 1823, it wasn’t until 1835 that the group was formally organized, laying the foundation for one of the most storied law enforcement agencies in American history.
On this day in 1868, the “King of Ragtime,” Scott Joplin, was born near Linden, TX. Joplin was a renowned pianist and composer, known for popularizing the genre of ragtime music and leaving a lasting impact on American music.
In 1924, Boles Children’s Home, originally known as Boles Orphan’s Home, received its first ten orphans, marking the beginning of its legacy as a place of care and support for children in need.
Tragically, on this day in 1943, Doris “Dorie” Miller, a Texan and the first African-American hero of World War II, died when the USS Liscome Bay was torpedoed near Butaritari Island. Miller’s bravery and sacrifice were later honored when a Knox-class frigate, the USS Miller, was named after him.
The events of November 24th also included the infamous shooting of Lee Harvey Oswald by Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby in 1963, an event that shocked the nation as it was broadcast live on national television.
And in 1984, President Reagan had a conversation with Rosemary Lourcey, the editor of the Longhorn Scene Magazine, in another notable moment in Texas history.
To encapsulate the spirit of Texas, a quote from Sam Houston is fitting: “Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may.”
These events and figures from November 24th have left an indelible mark on Texas history, shaping the state’s identity and contributing to its rich tapestry of stories and experiences.