October 28 in 1835, near San Antonio, Texans and Mexicans clashed at the battle of Concepción. This battle marked the beginning of the siege of Bexar. Despite being outnumbered, around 90 Texans emerged victorious, defeating 275 Mexican soldiers and two cannons. It was a significant win for the Texan forces and a key moment in the fight for independence from Mexico.
Jumping ahead to 1880, tragedy struck when Apaches killed seven Buffalo Soldiers from the famous black Tenth United States Cavalry. These brave soldiers were defending settlers from attacks in Hudspeth County. Their sacrifice serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by those who protect and safeguard their communities.
In 1945, a notable publication came to an end. The German-language Freie Presse für Texas ceased publication in San Antonio. It was a publication that catered to the German-speaking community in Texas and provided news and information in their native language. Its closure marked the end of an era for German Texans.
Fast forward to 1967 when U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and Mexican President Gustavo Díaz Ordaz settled the Chamizal Dispute. This long-standing territorial dispute was finally resolved with an agreement that granted Mexico 7.82 acres of the Ponce de León land grant. The resolution brought an end to years of tension between the two nations.
In more recent history, we remember a bittersweet moment for the Texas Rangers baseball team. On this day in 2011, the Rangers lost Game 7 of the World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals. This marked the second consecutive year that the Rangers had made it to the World Series but fell short of clinching the title. Nevertheless, their back-to-back appearances in the pinnacle of baseball showcases the talent and determination of the team.
Finally, in 2014, the iconic musician Phil Collins made a generous donation to the Alamo. Collins contributed his expansive collection of Alamo and Texas Revolution-related artifacts to the historic site. The donation allows future generations to learn and appreciate the history associated with the Alamo, showcasing the importance of preservation.