On October 4th, 1821, a significant event took place in Texas history. James Long and his men captured the city of La Bahía. However, their victory was short-lived as Mexican troops arrived just four days later, leading to the surrender of Long and his men. This event highlighted the ongoing tension between the settlers in Texas and the Mexican government.
Jumping ahead to 1862, another noteworthy event occurred during the Civil War Battle of Galveston. Confederate troops, faced with overwhelming opposition, surrendered Galveston to Union forces. This marked a significant turning point in the conflict and showcased the growing strength of the Union army.
In 1876, Texas took a monumental step in the field of education. The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, now known as Texas A&M University, was officially dedicated by Texas Governor Richard Coke. This marked the state’s first venture into public higher education and paved the way for future advancements in academia.
Moving forward to 1898, an outbreak of smallpox was reported in Laredo, Texas. The outbreak primarily affected children, with over 100 cases reported by January 1899. As a result, strict measures were implemented, leading to resistance between Texas Rangers and residents. The situation escalated to a gun battle and riot, prompting the intervention of the Tenth United States Cavalry to restore peace. The quarantine was eventually lifted in May of 1899.
In more recent history, on October 4th, 2011, U.S. President Barack Obama made a visit to North Texas. During his visit, he toured Eastfield Community College in Mesquite and attended a fundraiser in Dallas. This visit underscored the importance of Texas as a crucial political and economic hub.