September 21st In 1821, the Mexican War of Independence had just concluded, and Texas found itself under Mexican control. On September 21st, Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas,” was granted a land grant by the Mexican government. This grant allowed Austin to establish a colony in present-day Texas, which would ultimately lead to the influx of American settlers and the eventual fight for independence.
Jumping ahead to 1959, a significant moment in Texas music history occurred. On September 21st, The Crickets, a rock and roll band from Lubbock, recorded their hit song “That’ll Be the Day” in Clovis, New Mexico. The song, written by Buddy Holly and Jerry Allison, would go on to become one of the most iconic and influential songs in rock and roll history, solidifying Texas’s place in the music industry.
In more recent history, on September 21st, 2017, Hurricane Harvey, one of the most destructive hurricanes in Texas history, made landfall near Rockport. The storm caused widespread devastation, resulting in over 100 deaths and billions of dollars in damages. However, in the face of adversity, Texans came together to support one another and rebuild their communities, showcasing the resilience and strength of the Texas spirit.