October 2nd 1785, Sterling Clack Robertson, a notable figure in Texas history, was born in Nashville, TN. Robertson is known for introducing 600 families into Robertson’s Colony in Texas. He was an important delegate at the Washington-on-the-Brazos convention and played a crucial role in signing both the Texas Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the Republic of Texas. Additionally, Robertson served as a Senator during the first two sessions of the Congress of the Republic of Texas.
The year 1835 marked a significant event in Texas history, as the first battle of the Texas Revolution took place in Gonzalez. Texas volunteers bravely attacked a company under Francisco de Castañeda, forcing them to retreat. The battle was fought over the retrieval of a cannon that was initially given to settlers for protection against Indian attacks. This battle, known as the Battle of Gonzales, set the stage for the Texas Revolution.
Moving forward to 1862, the incident known as the Great Hanging began in Gainesville. A vigilante court initiated proceedings that led to the hanging of forty suspected Unionists that month. These executions primarily took place in Cooke County but also extended to Grayson, Wise, and Denton counties. The Great Hanging remains a dark chapter in Texas history, reflecting the tensions and divisions during the Civil War.
On this day in 1876, the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University) opened its doors. This educational institution was the state’s first venture into public higher education and played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of Texas. The school was officially dedicated two days later by Texas Governor Richard Coke.
Lastly, on October 2, 1987, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas was incorporated as a non-profit organization. Its primary function was to house the Southern Methodist University Herbarium and botanical library. This institute continues to contribute to the preservation and study of Texas’ diverse plant life.