1. In 1841, a group of Texans led by the famous hero Sam Houston captured Santa Anna, the former president of Mexico, and brought him to Texas as a prisoner. This event paved the way for Texas to become an independent nation.

2. On April 4, 1874, a massive tornado struck the town of Brenham, Texas, killing over 20 people and causing significant damage to the town. To this day, Brenham residents remember the event as one of the deadliest natural disasters in the town's history.

3. In 1968, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. The impact of his death was felt across the nation, including in Texas, where many communities held vigils to mourn his passing and reflect on his legacy.

4. On April 4, 1975, the Texas Rangers baseball team played their first game in the franchise's new home, the Arlington Stadium. The stadium, which would later be replaced by Globe Life Park, served as the team's home for over two decades and hosted many memorable games during that time.

5. Finally, April 4 marks the annual celebration of Texas State Arbor Day. This holiday recognizes the importance of trees in providing clean air, shade, and natural beauty to our communities, and encourages Texans to take action to protect and preserve our state's natural resources for future generations.