September 1st in 1863, Major Santos Benavides made a valiant effort in pursuit of the notorious bandit Octaviano Zapata. Leading a group of 79 men in the Thirty-third Texas Cavalry, Benavides crossed the Rio Grande and caught up with Zapata near Mier, Tamaulipas. A fierce gunfight ensued, resulting in the death of Zapata and nine others, while the remaining Zapatistas dispersed. This victory showcased the bravery and determination of the Texas Cavalry.
Fast forward to 1889, the Waco suspension bridge became a significant landmark in Texas history. The bridge, initially a toll bridge, opened its doors as a free bridge on this day. The city of Waco acquired the bridge for a mere $1, ensuring that the community could benefit from its convenient usage.
In 1917, the foundation of a prominent law firm in Houston marked a new chapter in Texas’s legal landscape. William Ashton Vinson and James A. Elkins established the firm, which went on to become one of the largest and most profitable in the world. This firm’s success showcases the talent and entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within the Texan community.
To better understand the significance of Texas as a vital trading route, U.S. Senator John B. Kendrick provided a quote about the “Texas Trail” in 1916. The Texas Trail served as a highway for cattle, facilitating their transport from Southwestern and Western Texas to the northwestern states such as Indian Territory, Kansas, Western Nebraska, and even reaching as far as Montana. This trail played a crucial role in the economic development and cattle industry of Texas.