Major historical events in Texas include the Texas Declaration of Independence, the annexation of Texas to the United States, the termination of slavery, the ratification of the Constitution, and oil drilling. The foundation for all these events was Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca's first exploration of Texas in 1528.
After the exploration of Texas in 1528, a permanent settlement was not established there until nearly 200 years later, in 1716. For the next century, Texas was torn between several different countries. It finally gained its independence in 1836 and became the Republic of Texas. For nine years, Texas was its own country and Sam Houston was its president.
The next major historical event occurred in 1845, when Texas was annexed by the United States to become the 28th state.
According to Angelo State University, the termination of slavery in Texas was announced on June 19, 1865. This day was termed Juneteenth.
In 1876, Texas ratified the Constitution under which the state is still governed.
In 1901, oil was found near Beaumont. Although the event seemed innocuous, it spurred people to start drilling for oil in eastern Texas. This resulted in the oil boom that catapulted Texas into the modern world and started Houston on its path to becoming a world-class city, according to Angelo State University.
