October 19th in 1889, an adventurer by the name of H.S. Barber left his mark on Devil’s Sinkhole near Rocksprings, TX, becoming the earliest known explorer of the cave. His carved name stands as a testament to his daring expedition into the unknown.
Fast forwarding to 1909, the Texas Congress of Mothers and Parent-Teacher Associations was formed in Dallas. Over the years, this organization evolved into what is now known as the Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers (Texas PTA). This group has played a vital role in advocating for children’s education and well-being, making a lasting impact on families across the state.
In 1919, in the city of San Antonio, the League of Women Voters of Texas was established. This organization has been instrumental in ensuring women have a voice in the political process and have worked tirelessly to promote civic engagement and voter education.
Moving ahead to 1953, two prominent leaders, President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Mexican President Adolfo Ruiz Cortines, came together to dedicate the International Falcon Reservoir. This reservoir serves as a symbol of cooperation and friendship between the two nations, a testament to the strong bond shared by Texas and Mexico.
Jumping to more recent history, in 2012, tragedy struck at the State Fair of Texas when “Big Tex,” the iconic 55-foot-tall cowboy statue, was destroyed by fire. This beloved Texan landmark captivated visitors for generations, and its loss was mourned by all who held it dear.
On a more lighthearted note, in 2014, DeMarco Murray of the Dallas Cowboys made NFL history by becoming the first player to rush for over 100 yards in each of the first seven games of a season. His record-breaking performance brought pride to the state and showcased the talent of Texas athletes.
Texas Governor Rick Perry once declared, “I don’t want to look like Connecticut, no offense, I don’t want to look like Oklahoma, I don’t want to look like California. I want to be uniquely Texas.” His words resonate with Texans, who take great pride in their state’s individuality and distinct culture.
As we reflect on these moments in Texas history, we are reminded of the rich tapestry of stories that have woven together to create the vibrant state we know today. Each day holds the potential for new chapters to be written and for the history of Texas to evolve. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s installment, as we continue our journey through the annals of Texas history.