October 17th in 1844, Sam Houston, the president of the Republic of Texas, wrote a passport for the widow of Ben-Ash. Ben-Ash was the chief of the Battise Village of the Coushatta Indians, who had recently passed away. This act of granting a passport showcased Houston’s commitment to diplomacy and recognizing the rights of indigenous peoples.
Another significant event occurred in 1879 when Herman Justin crafted his first pair of cowboy boots at his shop in Spanish Fort, TX. Little did he know that this would mark the beginning of the Justin and Nocona boot companies, which have become iconic in the world of western fashion.
Fast forward to 1935 when the Texas Negro Peace Officers Association was organized in South Texas. This organization was a groundbreaking milestone as the first black police organization in the United States. It paved the way for more inclusivity and equal representation within law enforcement agencies.
In 1960, the National League granted an expansion franchise to the Houston Sports Association. This allowed their team, initially known as the Colt .45s, to begin playing in the 1962 season. This would later become the Houston Astros, bringing immense pride to the city and its baseball fans.
Finally, in 2013, Nolan Ryan made an announcement that shook the Texas Rangers organization. He revealed that he would be stepping down as the team’s CEO, effective October 31, 2013. Ryan had been an instrumental figure in the team’s success, and his departure marked the end of an era.